New Rules for Violence in a Changing Middle East

The death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza is now close to 100, many children included, with almost 800 wounded. Yesterday, a bomb missed its intended target, killing 11 people, including nine in three generations of a single family. Three Israelis have been killed by rocket fire that’s come close to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Hamas, the elected leadership in Gaza, appears emboldened by the Arab Spring, and says the barrage won’t end until Israel agrees to concessions. Prime Minister Netanyahu, facing a re-election campaign, refuses to halt Israeli airstrikes until rockets from Gaza stop falling. We update the prospects for a ceasefire, the Arab spring and Israeli politics.