The Israeli army has completed plans for a large offensive in the Gaza Strip and is only waiting for government approval for the action, the military chief said today.
But Lieut Gen Gabi Ashkenazi said that until he receives the go-ahead for a broad operation, Israel will continue with its policy of air strikes and brief ground incursions to halt Palestinian rocket attacks.
"If it is necessary, we are prepared for the possibility of action," he said. "Until then I think it is our duty to exhaust all other avenues and to operate every day and night in order to provide security."
His comments come shortly after two Palestinian fighters were killed by Israeli tank fire.
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak has repeatedly said that the time for a widespread ground invasion of Gaza is drawing closer. But as recently as yesterday, he said it was not yet necessary to launch a broad operation.
Earlier, Israeli tanks fired shells at a group of Hamas militants on the outskirts of the town of Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip after dawn, Palestinian doctors and residents said. Two of the Palestinians were killed and four wounded, one critically, the doctors said.
The attack brings to about 30 the number of Palestinians that Israel has killed in the past 10 days.