The offensive is aimed at setting new rules of deterrence, now that Israel has pulled out of Gaza. And Israel is keeping up the pressure, even though terror groups have declared a halt to rocket attacks. "It needs to be clear to them that we mean every word we say," said Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz. "They need to know the rules of the game have changed." Israel hopes that in the wake of punishing raids by the army and air force, the terror groups will weigh the consequences carefully before launching rocket attacks again.