Israel Rejects Cease-Fire

The Israeli novelist David Grossman weighs in on The Times op-ed page today, writing that Israel should declare a 48-hour cease-fire, even if Hamas continues to fire rockets. “Is it possible,” he asks, “or are we already captives of the all-too-familiar ritual of war?” Grossman won't be happy to learn that, as The Times is reporting, Israel has rejected “a proposal for a 48-hour cease-fire in its military onslaught in Gaza.” The 48-hour cease-fire was first suggested by French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, in order to open a window for humanitarian aid. However, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s spokesman said the Israelis “view it as important to keep up the pressure on Hamas.”