Israel's security cabinet on Wednesday rejected the idea of a temporary ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and authorized continued military action against Gaza-based terrorist organizations.
In its decision, the cabinet noted a marked decrease in Palestinian rocket fire on southern Israel since the army started operating in Gaza last week.
As such, Israel will continue to put "military pressure on terrorist groups, mainly Hamas and Islamic Jihad," read a statement released by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office.
Israeli warplanes have been attacking Hamas positions throughout Gaza for the past several days, and ground forces have recently launched limited operations in the Gaza countryside.
However, Olmert continues to resist recommendations that he authorize a full-scale ground invasion of Gaza in order to crush the terrorist infrastructure embedded there.