In light of the Gaza-based terrorism wave that has claimed the lives of some 10 Israelis in less than three weeks, Prime Minister Sharon will convene a security cabinet consultation this afternoon.
At the same time, PA chief Mahmoud Abbas has made it clear that his recent well-publicized "order" to do "whatever necessary to stop Palestinian terror in Gaza" does not mean the use of actual force against terrorists.
"We are not interested in clashing with anyone," Abbas (Abu Mazen) told PA journalists on Monday, the day after he handed down the instructions to stop terrorism - orders that made headlines all over the world. "We don't want a civil war; we have said many times that civil war is a red line," he said, according to a report in NFC. Abu Mazen also said that he is against the Bush-Sharon understandings of April 2004.
PM Sharon visited IDF forces in Gaza yesterday, and told them, "The biggest danger is if we do not respond... The current situation cannot continue." He further said that the army has a totally free hand, contrary to accusations that the government has tied the army's hands.
It is assumed that an IDF offensive will be decided upon today, though its precise extent has yet to be determined. Three options for an offensive will be discussed: small-scale, medium, and large.
The small-scale operation would essentially involve "more of the same," namely, specific operations against rocket-launching sites, based on intelligence sources. A medium-scale offensive, which some sources say seems most likely, would include the entry of forces into certain neighborhoods from which rockets are launched.
The most extensive offensive would essentially mean the re-conquest of northern Gaza for an unspecified period. Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz is against such a move.
In the meantime, PA chief Abbas is meeting in Gaza with heads of various terrorist groups, trying to verbally obtain their consent for a temporary ceasefire. He met with Hamas leaders precisely while a Hamas terrorist blew himself up last night and killed GSS agent Oded Sharon. No statement was issued after the meeting, but a Hamas spokesman later said that Israel must first agree to stop all counter-terror measures. As reported, Abu Mazen has said he will not use force to disarm the terrorists.
At the same time, PA chief Mahmoud Abbas has made it clear that his recent well-publicized "order" to do "whatever necessary to stop Palestinian terror in Gaza" does not mean the use of actual force against terrorists.
"We are not interested in clashing with anyone," Abbas (Abu Mazen) told PA journalists on Monday, the day after he handed down the instructions to stop terrorism - orders that made headlines all over the world. "We don't want a civil war; we have said many times that civil war is a red line," he said, according to a report in NFC. Abu Mazen also said that he is against the Bush-Sharon understandings of April 2004.
PM Sharon visited IDF forces in Gaza yesterday, and told them, "The biggest danger is if we do not respond... The current situation cannot continue." He further said that the army has a totally free hand, contrary to accusations that the government has tied the army's hands.
It is assumed that an IDF offensive will be decided upon today, though its precise extent has yet to be determined. Three options for an offensive will be discussed: small-scale, medium, and large.
The small-scale operation would essentially involve "more of the same," namely, specific operations against rocket-launching sites, based on intelligence sources. A medium-scale offensive, which some sources say seems most likely, would include the entry of forces into certain neighborhoods from which rockets are launched.
The most extensive offensive would essentially mean the re-conquest of northern Gaza for an unspecified period. Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz is against such a move.
In the meantime, PA chief Abbas is meeting in Gaza with heads of various terrorist groups, trying to verbally obtain their consent for a temporary ceasefire. He met with Hamas leaders precisely while a Hamas terrorist blew himself up last night and killed GSS agent Oded Sharon. No statement was issued after the meeting, but a Hamas spokesman later said that Israel must first agree to stop all counter-terror measures. As reported, Abu Mazen has said he will not use force to disarm the terrorists.