Rocket strike comes amid reports of an imminent cease-fire; seven wounded in Ashkelon rocket barrage; Gush Etzion is hit by rocket for second time; South suffers constant barrage throughout the day.

One rocket hits in open area of Palestinian village; IDF reserve officer wounded near Gaza; salvos of rockets hit Beersheba; IDF embarks on series of strikes in Gaza, hitting 11 terror cells and 30 launchers.

Before a decision is made whether to launch a ground offensive, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to fully exhaust the diplomatic efforts to achieve a long-term cease fire, following his conversation with US President Barack Obama on Monday.

An unfortunate mistake in Gaza was inevitable.

Some 120 rockets fired at South, 30 intercepted by Iron Dome

A series of polls show small portion of Israelis want ground operation, but even fewer support a ceasefire.

Hamas, the rulers of the Gaza Strip, is overrun by extremists supported by Iran.
Several Gazan factions supported by Muslim countries compete in the military escalation against Israel.

Military operations may postpone January 22 general election.

Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal in Cairo says Israel was surprised by Hamas's capabilities; official in Jerusalem says Israel prefers diplomatic solution; Ban Ki-moon expected to arrive in Cairo.

As government mulls a ground operation, defense minister seeks to increase cabinet's approval of reservists from 30,000; thus far, 16,000 draft orders issued to reserves.