Israel’s army received approval today to broaden its ground operations against Gaza Strip militants who have been barraging Israeli border towns with deadly rocket fire, but no large-scale incursion is in the works, military officials said.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today warned that Israel would be forced to act if Palestinian militants on Gaza continue to fire rockets at Israel - though he hoped to avert a new conflict.

The new commander of the Israeli army will be reserve general Gabi Ashkenazi, the government said today.

A former deputy chief of staff will become Israel’s new military commander, Israeli media reported today, after another candidate for the job withdrew.

Israel’s outgoing army chief today promised an “orderly transition” for his successor, the army said.