Deputy spokesman at the U.S. State Department Tom Casey

       The United States backs Israel's right to defend itself, but said incursions into Gaza could spark severe consequences, a senior U.S. official said Wednesday. Deputy spokesman at the U.S. State Department Tom Casey responded to a question about Israel's recent military operation in the Gaza Strip, during which 11 Palestinian militants were killed. Late Monday and into Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces launched the deadliest campaign in months against militants responsible for the near daily Qassam rocket barrages that disrupt the lives of Israelis in southern Israel. "We're all aware of the problems that exist in Gaza, particularly the continued rocket attacks on Israel," Casey said. "Certainly, Israel has a right to defend itself, but we also want to make sure that, as always, any actions Israel takes it's cognizant to the potential consequences of those actions." Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday night Israel would continue targeting those responsible for launching the makeshift rockets and mortars into Israeli communities, media reported.(23,50)