Ha'aretz: Israel ground operation in Gaza becomes inevitable.
One would guess that could be part of what the US warship off the coast of Lebanon is about - to deter Hezbollah, including if Israel moves against Hamas in Gaza. Heard earlier today such operations would be in March-April, with desire for stability to be restored by time of Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations in May when Bush plans to visit. Then again, March is next week. So is a planned Rice visit to Israel. Jordan's King Abdullah II is here this week and next, after a meeting with the Saudi king en route to New York today. Olmert back to Israel Friday from Japan, where he seemed to overlap with Rice.
Update: It appears that Rice did meet with Olmert in Japan about Gaza situation, at
her request.
Also see: Hezbollah says not intimidated by U.S. warship deployment
