An Israeli soldier takes position during Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip January 8, 2009, in this picture released by Israel's Defence Forces (IDF). Israel is bent on halting Hamas rocket fire on its southern towns. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the goal that "quiet will reign supreme" in the area had not been achieved. A decision on further military action "is still ahead of us", he said. More than a dozen rockets hit southern Israel on Thursday. [Agencies]