Israel has given the army a green light to launch a deeper incursion into
northern Gaza, though there was no indication when it might begin, the Maariv
newspaper reported.
"Hamas well understands ... that the sky will fall on them if they harm Gilad
Shalit," Israeli Interior Minister Roni Bar-On said.
"LONG WAR"
"This is a long war," Olmert said. "It requires lots of patience, sometimes
endless restraint. We have to know when to clench our teeth and to deal a
decisive blow."
Washington has been urging Israel to show restraint and take steps to
minimize civilian casualties.
Hamas has accused Israel of trying to topple its three-month-old government,
which the Jewish state and Western powers have pushed to the brink of financial
collapse by cutting off aid.
The smallest of the three militant groups, the previously unknown Islamic
Army, said there would be no further information released on 19-year-old Shalit,
who was seized in a cross-border raid on June 25.
"Whether he will be killed or not killed, we will not disclose any
information," said Islamic Army spokesman Abu al-Muthana. He later added: "We do
not kill captives. Our Islam requires that we treat captives well and fairly."
Israel has said it will hold moderate Palestinian President Mohammed Abbas
and the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority (PA) responsible for Shalit's safety.
"Gilad Shalit is alive," said David Baker, a spokesman for Olmert's office.
"The PA must bring about his immediate and unconditional return to Israel."
Israel has hinted it could assassinate leaders of Hamas if Shalit is not
freed. "None of them will be immune," Olmert said.
Hamas, which advocates Israel's destruction, does not want to lose face by
freeing Shalit without getting something in return. Israel says it does not want
to set a precedent that could lead to more abductions.
Israeli security sources said a commando raid to try to rescue Shalit
remained an option but would be risky in Gaza's maze of alleyways. The last
Israeli soldier abducted by Palestinians was killed in a failed rescue bid in
1994.
(Additional reporting by Allyn Fisher-Ilan, Corinne Heller, Adam Entous and
Jeffrey Heller in Jerusalem)
