The Iranian proxy group has been behind a string of attacks in recent weeks designed to sabotage Egyptian-led efforts to steer Gaza towards calm.

Once a weak and isolated country in the Middle East, Israel is now a central player and desirable ally in the Arab world.

Oslo has brought nothing positive to Israel. Rather than a threat, the impending disappearance of the PA should be perceived as an opportunity.

Israel has warned Hamas that a decision to avoid reining in Palestinian Islamic Jihad will lead to a greater conflagration; while the message may have been received, it has yet to be implemented on the ground.

"I call on all parties to immediately de-escalate and return to the understandings of the past few months," says U.N. envoy Mladenov, warning escalation "jeopardizes the significant progress."