Agence France-Presse reports Israel has launched a diplomatic campaign to gather international support for a major offensive on Hamas-ruled Gaza. In a letter to UN chief Ban Ki-moon, Israel’s envoy to the United Nations Gabriela Shalev said the Jewish state would respond to continuing rocket fire. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has ordered Israeli ambassadors around the world to emphasize that Israel “will not hesitate to react militarily if necessary” to protect its citizens. Livni, who is running for prime minister, said “Israel must topple the Hamas rule in Gaza and a government under my command will do just that.” The public relations effort came a day after Israel threatened a major offensive against Gaza. On Friday, Hamas said it would not renew a six-month truce with Israel.