LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
December 29/08

Bible Reading of the day.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 2,22-40. When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord," and to offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997), Foundress of the Missionary Sisters of Charity
A Simple Path/"They returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth"
You can pray to the Holy Family for your own family: Our Father, who art in heaven, you have given us a model of life in the Holy Family of Nazareth. Help us, most loving Father, to make a new Nazareth of our own families, where joy and peace will reign. May it be deeply contemplative, fervently eucharistic and joyfully vibrant. Help us to stay together through good and ill thanks to our praying as a family. Teach us to encounter Jesus in every member of our own families especially those who suffer and are wounded. May the eucharistic Heart of Jesus make our hearts as meek and humble as his (Mt 11,29). Help us to fulfill our vocation as a family in holiness. May we love one another as God loves each one of us more and more every day
and forgive each other's faults as you forgive our sins. Most loving Father, help us to accept all you give to us and give all you take from us with a big smile. Immaculate heart of Mary, cause of our joy, pray for us.  Holy Guardian Angels be always with us, guiding us and protecting us.Amen.

Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special Reports
A good start... to a bad ending-Jerusalem Post 29/12/08
Analysis: Hamas unlikely to be toppled-The Associated Press  29/12/08
Delusions of victory in Gaza-Ha'aretz  29/12/08
Israel to reprise Lebanon war in Gaza?Reuters 29/12/08
Peace with Syria? Too costly-By: Efrain Inbar/Jerusalem Post 29/12/08

Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for December 29/08
In Gaza operation, Israel remembers Lebanon setbacks-AFP
Hezbollah leader says his group is on alert in southern Lebanon-Jerusalem Post
Lebanese security forces prevents demonstrators from approaching ...Xinhua
Hezbollah: Israel's attacks on Gaza "a war crime and a genocide"-Monsters and Critics.com
Can Israel deny Hamas the "victory" Hezbollah obtained?Power Line
Lebanese Shiite leader compares Gaza aggression to 2006 Lebanon war-Monsters and Critics.com
Israel Mobilizes Reservists, Iran Sends Humanitarian Aid as Number of Palestinians Killed rises to over 280-Naharnet
Israeli Warplanes Fly Low Over South Lebanon-Naharnet
Demonstrations staged across Lebanon in protest against Gaza attacks-Xinhua
Suleiman from the South: Lebanon is not a Platform for Launching ...Naharnet
Syria halts indirect peace talks-Jerusalem Post
Sfeir: The Political Middle Ground is beneficial for a Country Like Lebanon-Naharnet
Suleiman from the South: Lebanon is not a Platform for Launching Rockets-Naharnet
March 14: Israeli Massacres Require Global Action, Palestinian Unity-Naharnet
Hizbullah Calls for Speedy Global Action against Israeli Raids on Gaza-Naharnet
Protesters Demonstrate near Egypt Embassy after Israel Raids on Gaza-Naharnet
Aoun's Christmas Greeting to Sfeir-Naharnet
Aoun: Those that are Neutral are Negligent; Those That are Independent at 2009 Elections are with March 14 Forces-Naharnet
Report: Eight killed in Iran Armaments Plant Blast-Naharnet

Statement by Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip
December 27, 2008/No. 252
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding the situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip:
“Canada is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Southern Israel and the Gaza Strip and by the loss of life and the suffering sustained by all sides.
“Israel has a clear right to defend itself against the continued rocket attacks by Palestinian militant groups which have deliberately targeted civilians. First and foremost, those rocket attacks must stop. At the same time, we urge both sides to use all efforts to avoid civilian casualties and to create the conditions to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need in Gaza.“In addition to calling for immediate calm, we urge renewed efforts to reach a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel and for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to remain committed to finding a comprehensive peace settlement.”

Peace with Syria? Too costly
By EFRAIM INBAR /Jerusalem Post
The lame duck prime minister, Ehud Olmert, stated that peace with Syria can be clinched in a short time, and immediately flew to Ankara to accept the Syrian territorial demands to fish in the Sea of Galilee. He obviously prefers to go down as peacemaker rather than a crook.
Much of the Golan Heights is still mined.
This seems to be the only logical explanation for his hyperactivity on the Syrian track. The mere opening of indirect negotiations with Damascus via the services provided by Ankara lacked any diplomatic logic. Why should Israel help Bashar Assad escape his international isolation following his mischievous behavior in Iraq and Lebanon? Indeed, the Bush administration is justified in its anger with the Syrian dictator for allowing insurgents access to Iraq via Syria and for undermining the Seniora pro-Western regime in Beirut.
The most important reason why Israel should not engage Syria is that the state has nothing significant to offer. A peace treaty with Syria does not improve the strategic situation. Nothing beats the status quo.
Politically, the desire for an embassy in Damascus is too costly. Giving up the strategic Golan plateau deprives Israel of its best defense against potential Syrian aggression. It also signals weakness and undermines deterrence. Economically, uprooting 20,000 Jews and the attempts to resettle them will cost at least $20 billion. In these difficult economic times, this will pose a heavy burden on the economy, not to mention the deep psychological effects on society.
The cost of a peace treaty nowadays is clear, as is the current quid pro quo. A treaty with Syria will not improve the country's strategic situation. Generally, Israel has little to gain from economic or cultural interactions with the Arab world.
Our neighbors have not opened up to globalization and have remained poor, an unappetizing market for our products. Moreover, their societies are despotic, corrupt, fanatic and in deep cultural crises. The Arab world has nothing to offer and Israel should keep its distance.
Moreover, at this particular historic junction Syria carries little weight in the Arab world. The Arab states do not fear a Syrian veto on relations with Israel. More precisely, the Saudi initiative indicates Arab willingness to accommodate Israel in facing the Iranian nuclear challenge. Many Arab states share deep concerns about Syria's strategic relationship with Iran and its rising power in the Middle East.
The naïve belief that territorial concessions will dissuade Syria from continuing its cozy relationship with Teheran is baseless. Precisely those who belittle the strategic importance of the Golan Heights believe that Syria ascribes great importance to this piece of territory and its transfer to Syrian hands could change the foreign policy orientation of Damascus. Henry Kissinger, former US secretary of state, tried unsuccessfully to move Syria toward a pro-American orientation in 1976. Under more auspicious international circumstances, after the Cold War, the formidable US secretary of state James Baker tried again but failed. Even when Washington was the only game in town, the Syrians preferred no ties with the Americans.
Many analysts ignore the fact that the regime in Damascus is similar to the dictatorial anti-American regimes in Havana and Pyongyang. Unfortunately, there is a genuine dislike of Uncle Sam in these capitals and an opening up to the West is a mortal danger for these despotic regimes. Why would Bashar Assad jump on a pro-American bandwagon, when the US displayed weakness by electing Barack Obama, a man willing to talk to Iran and advocating an early withdrawal from Iraq? A declining United States is not a desirable ally.
Similarly far-fetched is the expectation that Damascus would stop arms and cash flow to Hizbullah and would expel the Islamic Jihad and Hamas headquarters from Syria. Lebanon is still of great importance to Syria, and it is unlikely Assad will relinquish his influence on Lebanese politics. Similarly, Assad will be reluctant to refrain from intervening in Palestinian politics. The expectations that the Syrian regime will behave differently than in the past betrays an ignorance of Middle Eastern politics, and espouses unfounded optimism. In reality, Assad clearly stated that Syria's foreign policy will not be hostage to an Israeli-Palestinian agreement.
The status quo, quite bearable from an Israeli point of view, has been stable since 1973 because Israel is militarily stronger than Syria. As long as the power differential continues, there is little chance for a Syrian challenge to the status quo. Syrians are not unfamiliar with power politics. Indeed, in facing Turkish superiority they gave up their claim to the Alexandretta region, five times as large as the Golan.
Leaders such as Olmert are dangerous even during their last hours in power. Fortunately, they can not muster a majority in the Knesset for a reckless move on the Golan.
**The author is professor of political studies at Bar-Ilan University and director of the Begin-Sadat (BESA) Center for Strategic Studies

Suleiman from the South: Lebanon is not a Platform for Launching Rockets
Naharnet/Lebanese President Michel Suleiman said everyone must respect Lebanon and its sovereignty and not to turn it into a platform for launching rockets.
The president stressed that this can no longer be tolerated following the deployment of the Lebanese armed forces and United Nations International Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that are working on implementing UNSCR 1701.
During an inspection visit to the south of Lebanon on Saturday accompanied by Defense Minister Elias el-Murr and Chief of Armed Forces Gen. Jean Qahwaji, Suleiman said: "Lebanon is an oasis of understanding and not an arena for conflicts and for settling scores."
"Lebanon continues to support the righteous Palestinian cause, and in particular the Palestinian right of return to their homes, meaning a rejection for settling them in Lebanon," Suleiman said.
He pointed to continued Israeli violations against Lebanon's sovereignty, violation of UNSCR 1701 and occupation of Lebanese territories.
"This is an aggression against Lebanese security and stability, it threatens our economy and the livelihood of Lebanese," Suleiman explained.
He called on Israel to respect its international commitments in implementing international resolutions and law.
The president pointed to the importance of the Lebanese military institution adding it must remain far removed from any political polarizations, stressing that the military must present a transparent image of their institution as should all state institutions do. He stressed that the state reverence must not be shaken in particular at the upcoming spring elections.
Suleiman rejected the saying that the military could easily be divided.
"The army contrary to what was being said in the past cannot be divided. This is the rule today; this has been achieved with the sacrifices made by the military to maintain the country and allow state institutions to function properly," president said.
UNIFIL Commander Major General Claudio Graziano and other high leading officers received Suleiman at Naqoura. The president placed a wreath at the UNIFIL memorial in south Lebanon.
Major General Graziano briefed the president on the investigations concerning the adduction of two Lebanese farmers by Israeli forces (the farmers were later returned to Lebanon) and the discovery of Katyousha rockets placed close to the Lebanese-Israeli border.
The UNIFIL Commander stated that 5 of the posted rockets were 122- mm caliber and two of 105-mm. Caliber.
From Naqoura Suleiman headed to Qana, he was received by MP Ali Khraeis and a number of municipality heads. He placed a wreath at the Qana memorial.
The president moved to the military barracks at Sour (Tyre) he addressed the military saying: "UNSCR 1701 has not been implemented, there are daily and many Israeli violations by Israel. There is also the Ghajar village that remains occupied. There is not border dispute there, there are the Shebaa farms and that Kfar Shouba hills…Israel must implement its international commitments, the international community is responsible for following up the implementation of these commitments."
"We also have to pay attention to fighting terrorism. We shall do so with our full will. If we have the will we would conquer terrorism. What is important is that terrorists feel that we are strongly capable, that we are not afraid that we won't run away," Suleiman said. Beirut, 28 Dec 08, 09:48

Sfeir: The Political Middle Ground is beneficial for a Country Like Lebanon
Naharnet/Maronite Patriarch Sfeir said that Political middle ground is beneficial for a country like Lebanon that has various political movements and trends.
The Patriarch on Saturday received a delegation from the Identity and Sovereignty Gathering. "Some of you have a great background in political affairs, we hope that you would use this past at your new gathering," Sfeir said. The Maronite Patriarch received various popular delegations and political figures that wished him season's greetings. Beirut, 28 Dec 08, 10:23

Suleiman from the South: Lebanon is not a Platform for Launching Rockets
Naharnet/Lebanese President Michel Suleiman said everyone must respect Lebanon and its sovereignty and not to turn it into a platform for launching rockets.
The president stressed that this can no longer be tolerated following the deployment of the Lebanese armed forces and United Nations International Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that are working on implementing UNSCR 1701. During an inspection visit to the south of Lebanon on Saturday accompanied by Defense Minister Elias el-Murr and Chief of Armed Forces Gen. Jean Qahwaji, Suleiman said: "Lebanon is an oasis of understanding and not an arena for conflicts and for settling scores."
"Lebanon continues to support the righteous Palestinian cause, and in particular the Palestinian right of return to their homes, meaning a rejection for settling them in Lebanon," Suleiman said. He pointed to continued Israeli violations against Lebanon's sovereignty, violation of UNSCR 1701 and occupation of Lebanese territories.
"This is an aggression against Lebanese security and stability, it threatens our economy and the livelihood of Lebanese," Suleiman explained.
He called on Israel to respect its international commitments in implementing international resolutions and law. The president pointed to the importance of the Lebanese military institution adding it must remain far removed from any political polarizations, stressing that the military must present a transparent image of their institution as should all state institutions do. He stressed that the state reverence must not be shaken in particular at the upcoming spring elections.
Suleiman rejected the saying that the military could easily be divided.
"The army contrary to what was being said in the past cannot be divided. This is the rule today; this has been achieved with the sacrifices made by the military to maintain the country and allow state institutions to function properly," president said.
UNIFIL Commander Major General Claudio Graziano and other high leading officers received Suleiman at Naqoura. The president placed a wreath at the UNIFIL memorial in south Lebanon.
Major General Graziano briefed the president on the investigations concerning the adduction of two Lebanese farmers by Israeli forces (the farmers were later returned to Lebanon) and the discovery of Katyousha rockets placed close to the Lebanese-Israeli border.
The UNIFIL Commander stated that 5 of the posted rockets were 122- mm caliber and two of 105-mm. Caliber.
From Naqoura Suleiman headed to Qana, he was received by MP Ali Khraeis and a number of municipality heads. He placed a wreath at the Qana memorial.
The president moved to the military barracks at Sour (Tyre) he addressed the military saying: "UNSCR 1701 has not been implemented, there are daily and many Israeli violations by Israel. There is also the Ghajar village that remains occupied. There is not border dispute there, there are the Shebaa farms and that Kfar Shouba hills…Israel must implement its international commitments, the international community is responsible for following up the implementation of these commitments."
"We also have to pay attention to fighting terrorism. We shall do so with our full will. If we have the will we would conquer terrorism. What is important is that terrorists feel that we are strongly capable, that we are not afraid that we won't run away," Suleiman said. Beirut, 28 Dec 08, 09:48

March 14: Israeli Massacres Require Global Action, Palestinian Unity
Naharnet/The majority March 14 alliance described Israel's massive air raids on Gaza Saturday as "barbaric massacres."
A statement by the coalition supported a call by Prime Minister Fouad Saniora for an emergency Arab League meeting to adopt an Arab stance to "face up to Israeli terrorism.""These barbaric massacres require a wide-scale Arab and international action to deter Israel and force it to stop its aggression," said the statement.
These massacres "also require restoration of Palestinian unity and an end to Palestinian divide," the statement added.
It said March 14 leaders express solidarity with the Palestinian people and their just cause in line with a comprehensive settlement based on U.N. resolutions, particularly 1850."Harmony of the Lebanese government's policy with this general trend and requirements, to strengthen Res. 1701, is a higher national interest," March 14 said. Beirut, 27 Dec 08, 20:09

Hizbullah Calls for Speedy Global Action against Israeli Raids on Gaza
Naharnet/Hizbullah on Saturday called for speedy global and U.N. action against massive Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip that left at least 205 Palestinians killed.
"What is going on in Gaza Strip is an Israeli war crime and represents genocide," said a Hizbullah statement. It also "calls for speedy U.N. action as well as action by the international community because silence is tantamount to complicity in this aggression," added the statement. "The nations are requested to stand firm against the Israeli barbarism -- covered internationally and by America -- to halt the ongoing massacre," the statement said. Beirut, 27 Dec 08, 16:32

Protesters Demonstrate near Egypt Embassy after Israel Raids on Gaza
Naharnet/Hundreds of protesters against Israel's deadly raids on the Gaza Strip demonstrated near the Egyptian embassy in Lebanon on Saturday amid a greatly reinforced security presence, an AFP journalist said. The embassy was transformed into a veritable fortress as dozens of soldiers and other members of the security forces were deployed. The protesters, mostly from Hizbullah stronghold in Beirut's southern suburbs, were kept several hundred meters away from the building in the Bir Hassan area, where other Arab embassies are also located. Riot police prevented demonstrators and journalists from approaching the embassy complex by blocking off nearby streets. Some shots were also heard, but it was not known who fired them. In Cairo on Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni vowed to strike back at the Islamist Hamas rulers of Gaza after a sharp escalation of violence in the Palestinian territory dashed hopes of a new truce. A six-month truce ended on December 19. Hamas said Saturday's blitz killed at least 160 people and medics said around 300 people were wounded, 120 of them seriously. Earlier hundreds more Palestinians protested in south Lebanon. Demonstrators in Ain el-Hilweh -- the largest of the country's 12 refugee camps with 45,000 residents -- burned tires and dustbins and blocked the main road.(AFP) Beirut, 27 Dec 08, 17:06

Aoun's Christmas Greeting to Sfeir
Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun on Saturday called on Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir at the latter's seat in Bkirki to relay Christmas greetings.
Aoun made no statement to reporters after the 15-minute meeting. Beirut, 27 Dec 08, 14:48

The waiting game
Bassel Oudat
Syria is looking forward to Obama taking the reins of US power, hopeful he will end its isolation, writes Bassel Oudat from Damascus
Syrian-US relations plummeted over the past five years into depths unseen since 1967. Differences ensued over the US military invasion of Iraq in 2003, which Syria -- sitting on the UN Security Council at the time -- strongly opposed. Following the occupation of Iraq, Syria cooperated with the US in fighting terror. It prevented volunteers from Arab and foreign countries from using its territories to reach Iraq, arresting some and deporting others. It exchanged security information with the US and pledged to tighten its borders with Iraq even more. But this wasn't enough. Washington continued to accuse Syria of sponsoring terror and facilitating the passage of "terrorists" into Iraq.
In summer 2004, Syria helped obtain a three-year extension for Lebanese President Emile Lahoud. The move divided Lebanon and alienated the Americans. Relations hit rock bottom when Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Al-Hariri was assassinated in February 2005. Acting under pressure from France and the US, Syria pulled out of Lebanon within months, ending 29 years of military presence in that country. With Paris and Washington insisting that Damascus had a hand in Al-Hariri's murder, the UN Security Council ordered an investigation into the case. Washington pulled its ambassador to Syria out and called for a change in Syria's "conduct".
To press the point, Washington imposed sanctions on Syria's main commercial bank and airliner, prohibited the supply of spare parts to Syrian companies, froze the assets of two private companies, including one owned by Rami Makhlouf, the cousin of President Bashar Al-Assad, and refrained to talk to officials suspected of terror connections. Furthermore, Washington urged its European allies to do the same. As a result, the European Commission declined to sign a partnership deal with Syria that was initiated in 2004. It became clear that Syria needed a way out of rapidly approaching isolation. But first it had to change its policies on Iraq, Lebanon, Palestinian organisations and Iran.
Tensions between Syria and the West remained high until French President Nicolas Sarkozy suggested that dialogue with Syria might prove more fruitful than pressure and threats. Eventually, Syria began to revise its policies. It accepted a settlement in Lebanon, agreed to a calming-down period in Palestine, tightened its borders with Iraq against possible infiltrators and, in April, launched Turkish-mediated indirect talks with Israel. During a visit to Paris, President Al-Assad suggested that the talks with Israel would become more successful if Washington were to sponsor them. For a while, it seemed that the Bush administration would have no excuse for keeping the heat on Syria. Some optimists even predicted a return of the US ambassador. But this wasn't to be.
In April 2008, Washington accused Syria of cooperating with North Korea in nuclear production. US officials claimed that the Kibar facility in northeast Syria (bombed in December 2007 by the Israelis) was the site of a nuclear reactor intended to enrich plutonium. The International Atomic Energy Agency sent experts to Syria but couldn't reach a firm conclusion. Syria dismissed the accusations as part of a negative publicity campaign.
Things took a turn for the worse when US troops landed near Abu Kamal on the Syrian-Iraqi borders and launched an attack against what the US claimed were terrorists. The Syrians said that eight people died, all civilians, including women and children. Damascus retaliated by pulling its guards from the Iraqi borders and shutting down the American Cultural Centre and the American School in Damascus.
Despite his pro-Israeli statements, Syria hopes that relations with Washington will improve once Obama takes over as US president. Syria's information minister said that Obama's election would give a push to peace and help alleviate the region's problems. A delegation of Obama aides visited Damascus to discuss regional matters within weeks of Obama's victory. Syrian diplomats took the occasion to voice resolve in fighting "terror", keeping things quiet in Palestine, encouraging stability in Lebanon and Iraq, and keeping up talks with Israel. In particular, Damascus seemed eager to have Washington mediate in talks with Israel.
In December, former US President Jimmy Carter visited Damascus and said that he expected Syrian-US relations to warm once Obama takes over. Carter added that Washington is likely to become involved in Syrian-Israeli talks.
Obama's choice of Hillary Clinton as secretary of state dampened Syrian hopes, however. Clinton is known for her pro-Israeli views and her dislike for Hamas and Iran. But one of Clinton's associates, Martin Indyk, said that the "gap can be bridged" between Damascus and Washington.
Despite their discomfort with Clinton, Syrian leaders hope that the next US administration will improve ties between the two countries, mainly through returning the US ambassador to Damascus, lifting sanctions, and sponsoring Syrian- Israeli talks. Syrian diplomats believe that Obama's administration will recognise the importance of the Syrian role in the region and stop pushing Damascus around. In return, Damascus is willing to be more accommodating in its regional policies.
© Copyright Al-Ahram Weekly. All rights reserved

Israel to reprise Lebanon war in Gaza?
Sun Dec 28, 2008
By Dan Williams
JERUSALEM, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Goaded by Islamist guerrillas' cross-border attacks, Israel goes to war with a surprise aerial onslaught. Troops and tanks follow, to gain ground and pressure foreign powers into imposing a truce the Israelis can live with. The strategy used by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for an offensive in Lebanon in 2006 could again be deployed against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
But there are big differences in the handling of the military operation in Gaza, which the Israeli air force started pounding on Saturday, and it is not clear how regional stability might benefit, let alone peace talks with Palestinians.
For now, Israeli officials sound satisfied with an operation in Gaza that shows few of the tactical mistakes of the 2006 war on Lebanese Hezbollah.
Fewer than half of Gaza's many dead are civilians, Israeli border towns were better prepared this time for retaliatory rocket fire and the Olmert government has not promised big victories. International censure has so far been largely limited to urging a return to an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire that expired on Dec 19.
"Israel certainly underwent a lesson-learning process" after Lebanon, cabinet secretary Oved Yehezkel told Israel Radio.
Hamas has made a new ceasefire conditional on Israel ending an embargo on Gaza, and Israeli officials have hinted they also want new terms met -- such an end to arms smuggling by Hamas and the release of a captive soldier, Gilad Shalit.
While strikes continue, neither side is giving quarter.
"Hamas knows our demands, and there's no use to talking about them publicly," said one Israeli defence official. "Until Hamas signals that it's ready to back down, all we can do is continue placing a hefty 'price tag' on its rocket attacks."
Israel's relative reticence may mask uncertainty over how far this assault will go. Although its forces have massed on the border, Israel is in no rush for a reoccupation of the congested, poor and deeply hostile Palestinian territory.
That means exhausting a "bank" of Hamas sites that can be bombed by the Israeli air force, although the Lebanon war showed such raids can quickly push up the civilian casualty toll.
"What do we do when the target bank runs out? And what if we end up with another Kafr Qana?" asked one Israeli diplomat, referring to a village where the killing of dozens of unarmed Lebanese drained support for driving back Hezbollah.
CONTINGENCY PLANS
Whereas the Lebanon war ended in a U.N.-brokered ceasefire that beefed up a foreign peacekeeper force in Hezbollah's former heartland, such a presence is considered anathema for Gaza.
"There was talk of it (Gaza peacekeepers) a while back, but nothing happened as no one wanted to contribute troops," said Yigal Palmor, an Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman. Hamas has long said it would regard any foreign peacekeepers as invaders.
According to the defence official, Israel has contingency plans for a Gaza sweep in which Hamas would be crushed and the territory handed to the Islamists' rival, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who seeks a peace accord with the Jewish state.

But Palmor dismissed such an idea as "fringe idiocy". It would depict Abbas as little more than an Israeli stooge, and to many Palestinians his credibility is already sapped by his failure to shelve diplomacy altogether over the Gaza violence.
"We want quiet, and for Israelis and Palestinians to be able to address their differences through dialogue," Palmor said, alluding to Hamas's refusal to accept coexistence with Israel.
Hamas has said it will not surrender to Israel, but its top politician in Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh, signalled on Sunday that the group feels isolated in a region where some states dislike the axis formed by Hamas with its Iranian and Syrian patrons.
In televised comments apparently intended for Egypt and other Arab countries aligned with the United States, Haniyeh urged a "responsible Arab decision to end the (Gaza) siege".
Egypt, which also borders Gaza, has shown little desire to break with the embargo. Cairo could instead propose that Hamas submit to Abbas's authority, in exchange for which Israel would end the Gaza assault and ease economic restrictions on the territory.
"The sense is that we have to wait to see what Egypt pulls out of its hat," said the Israeli diplomat.
Until then, Israel appears to be targeting the Egypt-Gaza frontier as part of its effort to step up pressure on Hamas.
Hundreds of cross-border tunnels allow the Palestinians to smuggle in arms and commercial goods, circumventing the embargo to a limited degree. Many of those secret passages may have been destroyed by Israel's bombing runs over southern Gaza.
(Editing by Timothy Heritage)