MIDDLE EAST: Israel defied yesterday's deadline set by Gaza militants for the release of Palestinian prisoners and warned Hamas leaders the "sky will fall on them" if an abducted Israeli soldier is harmed.
With Israeli tanks and infantry massing along the Gaza Strip's northern border, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the campaign launched last week to free Cpl Gilad Shalit could turn into "a long war".
Increasing political pressure on Mr Olmert to launch a broad ground offensive, Palestinian militants carried out their deepest rocket strike yet against Israel, hitting a schoolyard in the coastal city of Ashkelon, some 10km (six miles) from Gaza with no injuries.
Mr Olmert said in broadcast remarks the attack would have "unprecedented, far-reaching consequences" and Hamas, whose military wing claimed responsibility for launching the rocket, "would be the first to feel them".
Israel has given its army the green light to launch a deeper incursion into northern Gaza, though there was no indication when it might begin, the Maariv newspaper reported yesterday.
"This is a long war," Mr Olmert said. "It requires lots of patience, sometimes endless restraint. We have to know when to clench our teeth and to deal a decisive blow."
Washington has been urging Israel to show restraint and take steps to minimise civilian casualties. Israel has said it will hold moderate Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority (PA) responsible for Cpl Shalit's safety.
"Gilad Shalit is alive," said David Baker, a spokesman for Mr Olmert's office. "The PA must bring about his immediate and unconditional return to Israel."
Hamas, which advocates Israel's destruction, does not want to lose face by freeing Cpl Shalit without getting something in return.
Israeli security sources said a commando raid to try to rescue Cpl Shalit remained an option but would be risky in Gaza's maze of alleyways. The last Israeli soldier abducted by Palestinians was killed in a failed rescue bid in 1994.