The security cabinet is meeting at this hour to discuss counter-terrorist operations in Judea, Samaria and Gaza. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has stated he favors more targeting of terrorist leaders, a policy that began two weeks ago after months of restraint, threats and diplomatic attempts to stop rocket and bombing attacks.



Several ministers favor a wider offensive, including taking back control of the Philadelphi smuggling route along the Egyptian border, from which Israel withdrew after the destruction of Jewish communities in the Gaza region two summers ago.