Israel bans Hamas missile bases in Gaza

Israeli officials said Sunday they will not allow Iranian and Hamas missile bases in Gaza after 18 rockets were fired into the country during the weekend. Interior Minister Eli Yishai said if the attacks continue, Israel will be forced to take military action, The Jerusalem Post reported. The Israeli Air Force responded to the rocket fire by striking targets in Gaza Saturday. No injuries were reported on either side. Though Hamas is not responsible for the weekend attacks on Israel -- the Post says smaller groups are to blame -- officials are worried about the terror group setting up rocket production facilities in Egypt. Hamas has established bases and weapon facilities in Egypt with the belief Israel will not strike targets inside the country for fear of ruining bilateral relations. Israeli officials have asked Cairo to dismantle the Hamas infrastructure in the Sinai Peninsula, but the Egyptian military has declined.