Israel says dropped army activity in Gaza in light of reduction in rocket fire

Israeli defense officials said Monday that the army has been instructed to reduce activity in the Gaza Strip in light of a drop in rocket fire.

According to the order that came from the political echelon, the Israeli army will not conduct airstrikes or incursions into the Gaza Strip, the officials said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive security nature of the subject.

Both Israeli and Hamas officials had in recent days said that if the other side stops attacking, their side will act accordingly.

A senior Israeli Defense Ministry official, Amos Gilad, returned Sunday from talks in Cairo where he …