It really looks like things are getting serious this time...


DEBKAfile Special Report November 20, 2012, 11:33 AM

USS Iwo JimaAn unidentified man injured the US embassy guard in Tel Aviv with an axe and knife Tuesday, Nov. 20. He was captured.
Three amphibious warships with 2,500 Marines aboard back to the eastern Mediterranean to remain on standby off Israel’s shore in case they are needed to evacuate American citizens. The USS Iwo Jima, the USS New York and the USS Gunston Hall, were sailing west of Gibraltar on their way to back to Norfolk, Virginia, when they were turned around.

Although a decision to evacuate nationals was defined in the CNN report as a “remote contingency,” our sources stress that it is extreme enough to be taken only when a war situation is envisaged capable of endangering Americans.

This step negates the expectation articulated widely in Israel Monday, Nov. 19, that a ceasefire with the Hamas is within reach. It rather indicates that Washington sees the situation surrounding the Gaza Strip in a far different light,.......................

Edited to under 50% with link [link to www.debka.com]