Israeli Tanks and Troops Move Toward Gaza Border

by Alexander Marquardt 

EREZ BORDER CROSSING, Israel, Nov. 15, 2012 Israeli troops and tanks moved toward the border of the Gaza Strip today and the government authorized the call-up of reservists as air strikes failed to halt the rounds of rockets being fired from the Hamas-controlled territory.

The U.S. State Department today blamed Hamas for the escalation of violence.

Israel moves troops toward Gaza

By IBRAHIM BARZAK

And JOSEF FEDERMAN

| The Associated Press

First Published Nov 15 2012 04:28 pm • Last Updated Nov 15 2012 10:45 pm

Gaza City, Gaza Strip • Palestinian militants barraged Israel with more than 200 rockets on Thursday, killing three people as Israel pressed a punishing campaign of airstrikes on militant targets across the Gaza Strip. Three rockets targeted the densely populated Tel Aviv area, setting off air raid sirens in brazen attacks that threatened to trigger an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza.

Late in the day, Israel signaled a ground operation may be imminent as forces moved toward the border area with Gaza. At least 12 trucks were seen transporting tanks and armored personnel carriers, and a number of buses carrying soldiers arrived. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said he had authorized the army to call-up additional reservists for possible action. The army said it was prepared to draft up to 30,000 additional troops.

Ben Roethlisberger injures right shoulder in Steelers’ 16-13 overtime win

media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnflexperts/yahoo_benwallace.jpg access on 17 Nov.2012

The Pittsburgh Steelers kept pace with the Baltimore Ravens and avoided an embarrassing home loss on national television to a one-win Kansas City Chiefs team when linebacker Lawrence Timmons intercepted a Matt Cassel pass on the second play of overtime, setting up a 23-field goal by Shaun Suisham to give the Steelers a 16-13 overtime win on Monday night.

Ben Roethlisberger has shoulder sprain, return date uncertain

en Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers left Heinz Field on Monday night with his sprained right shoulder in a sling. When he walks back in ready to play is anybody's guess.

Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin called Pittsburgh's franchise quarterback questionable but otherwise offered little detail Tuesday, less than 24 hours after Roethlisberger was pounded into the ground by Kansas City Chiefs linebackersTamba Hali and Justin Houston in the third quarter of Pittsburgh's 16-13 overtime victory.

trbimg.com/img-50a30b87/turbine/la-sp-sn-ben-roethlisberger-20121113-001/600 accessed 17/08/12