IDF military head Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi announced Wednesday that Israel's army has completed plans for a large offensive in the Gaza Strip and is only waiting for government approval.  Until then, Israel will continue with a policy of air strikes and brief ground incursions in an attempt to thwart PLO mortar fire.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak stated Tuesday that while it will soon be time for a widespread ground offensive in Gaza, now is not the time, as he believes IDF soldiers would suffer significant casualties in crowded Gaza City.