Israel vow to step up military action

Israel will step up military operations in the Gaza Strip, including a more intensive air campaign and the possible demolition of hundreds of Palestinian homes, in response to recent fighting in the area, Israeli officials said today.

At the first Cabinet meeting since 13 Israeli soldiers were killed in three separate incidents in Gaza last week, Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz and military chief Lt. Gen. Moshe Yaalon pledged to crack down on militant groups, according to officials in the meeting.