According to Israeli Defence Force figures, 180 rockets and mortars have been fired into Israel by militants in 2010.

BBC: Israeli air strikes hit two Gaza towns

The youngest author to be nominated is 25-year-old Israeli Shani Boianjiu whose novel, The People Of Forever Are Not Afraid, is based on her national service in the Israeli Defence Force.

BBC: Hilary Mantel up for third major book award

Many Israeli analysts believe that the two men are capable of winning round more sceptical cabinet colleagues, and that once they have done so the leadership of the Israeli Defence Force will swallow its doubts, salute smartly and get on with an attack.

ECONOMIST: Israel squares up to Iran