Israeli Cabinet decides to step up targeted killings and Gaza raids

<br> <br>JERUSALEM (AP) _ Israel's security Cabinet on Tuesday approved an army plan to intensify targeted killings of Palestinian militants and send more troops into the Gaza Strip for ground operations,

Tuesday, March 16th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

JERUSALEM (AP) _ Israel's security Cabinet on Tuesday approved an army plan to intensify targeted killings of Palestinian militants and send more troops into the Gaza Strip for ground operations, a security official said.

The military campaign will last several weeks, the official said on condition of anonymity.

The planned attacks were intended as retaliation for a double suicide bombing at an Israeli seaport earlier this week, the first deadly attack on a strategic target.

The strikes are also meant to increase pressure on militants, particularly the Islamic militant group Hamas, ahead of a possible Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

3rd Ld