Can't let them do that forever.
Agreed. That is why I added that the IDF can now, at its leisure, choose one or more Palestinian targets for destruction.
I've heard the IDF has developed an anti-mortar capability that hits a target within 30 seconds, with minimal collateral damage. My guess, we're about to find out.
With high-tech counter-battery sensor systems, you can make lobbing mortar shells a highly risky affair.
The "minimal collateral damage" issue, however, will depend solely on where the mortars are fired from. Jihadis have no qualms about hiding in the middle of civilians.
However, after a few counter-battery responses, the jihadis will be shot on sight by locals who want no part of Israeli counter-battery fire falling on their back yard.
An interesting idea, I've read that locals are concerned about a massive Israeli response, not that the terrorists care about them. I won't be surprised if they test the Israeli response in the West Bank. To the world, an Israeli response would be far less popular there, it's still occupied, than in unoccupied Gaza. Depending how Gaza develops, in six months the world might welcome an incursion.