Security cabinet approves expanded IDF Gaza operation

As Palestinian rockets continued to fall, the security cabinet Wednesday approved the expansion of the IDF operation in the Gaza Strip. An estimated 25 senior Hamas officers and top weapons development engineers have been taken out in strikes by Israeli warplanes. The IDF reported that much more remains to be done to remove the Hamas high command and demolish its infrastructure for war. PM Binyamin Netanyahu estimated another week was needed to finish the job. The ministers decided to turn aside for now combined Egyptian-Saudi-UAE pressure to negotiate a ceasefire. Hamas must stop shooting rockets first before any mediation is considered.