Sharon himself is winding up a trip to Rome, Italy, during which he warned that Israel's military response would escalate if clashes continued.

CNN: damage

They should assume that Obama's Middle East envoy George Mitchell will intensify his pressure - and escalate his threats - on Israel to make massive concessions to the Palestinians.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The perils of presidential failure

At the same time, should conflict escalate, Iran's actions may drive disparate actors, even Gulf Arab states and Israel, to unprecedented collaboration for their mutual defense.

CNN: Can U.S. help Gulf shield itself against Iran?