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Ha'aretz: Zigzag response to Syrian tensions doesn't signal war:
A Syrian intelligence officer, putting together Barak's statement, his canceling a trip to Germany, the cabinet's decision to redistribute gas masks and the national emergency maneuver next week, would probably conclude that Israel was interested in escalation.
Despite this, Syria also made an effort yesterday to calm things down. A member of parliament, Mohammed Habash, told Al Arabiya television that the Syrian army was not on alert, and that his country had no intention of attacking Israel.
To sum up, the north is expected to remain tense at least until Hezbollah's revenge attack and perhaps afterward, too.
Meanwhile the calm in the south seems to be coming to an end after a month. The Qassam rocket and mortar fire is increasing, although Hamas is not taking part in the shooting. In Israel, the restraint imposed on the Israel Defense Forces in the past few weeks is loosening. Seven Palestinian militants were wounded by IDF troops yesterday east of Khan Yunis. The IDF engaged in similar acts almost every night this week.
Gaza is once again becoming a barrel of explosives, especially since the talks on reopening the Rafah crossing have stalemated again. The economic situation in the Strip is deteriorating. Dozens of drivers are waiting near every gas station, sometimes for more than two days, just to buy a little fuel. Wishing to avert the population's fury, Hamas may direct its fire against Israel again.