Netanyahu said to warn Gaza war possible before March 2 elections

Prime Minister Netanyahu told municipal leaders in the Gaza area that Israel could launch extensive military operations in the Palestinian enclave before the upcoming Knesset elections if the launching of rockets and airborne explosive devices continues, Channel 13 reports.

Netanyahu told the leaders during a meeting today that while Israel is making significant efforts to ensure calm in the area, the military was ready for an operation in Gaza if needed, according to the network.

The reported comments come after a week of near-daily rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza and dozens of balloon-borne explosive devices being launched from the Hamas-ruled Strip toward southern Israel.