Israel PM says hand held out in peace, other holds sword

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Gaza's Hamas leaders to choose between peace and "the sword" on Tuesday as a diplomatic push intensified to end a week of violence in and around the strip. "Our hand is outstretched in peace to those of our neighbours who want to make peace with us," Netanyahu said in a statement. "And the other hand is firmly grasping the sword of David against those who wish to uproot us from this country," he added in reference to the biblical warrior king. About two hours after a rocket fired from Gaza crashed south of Jerusalem, causing no injuries but inciting temporary panic, Netanyayhu said that constant pounding by the Israeli air force had exerted a heavy toll on the Hamas arsenal. "We have already destroyed thousands of rockets and missiles aimed at Israeli citizens, including most of the long-range rockets," he said. "We continue to attack Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the rest of the terror groups." He spoke as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived for talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was expected to fly in overnight.