Hamas has stymied the IDF with new and advanced 120-millimeter mortar shells that are more precise and lethal than previous models, Voice of Israel government radio military correspondent Carmela Menashe reported Sunday morning. Hamas has adopted a routine of planting bombs at the Gaza separation barriers, drawing IDF counterterrorist fire and then responding with the mortar shells that can reach nearby army bases.

Soldiers have complained that there is no fortification against Kassam rockets, but officials said that protecting every soldier with rocket-proof housing is impractical. Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai has reiterated year-old threats made by outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak that Israel soon will have no choice other than to stage an all-out offensive on Hamas. He said the retaliation would be different from previous counterterrorist operations.

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