Israeli diplomats have been instructed to highlight the plight of Israelis living under increasing rocket fire from Gaza, officials said yesterday, in a step aimed at preparing world opinion for stepped-up action by Israel's military.

With rocket fire by Gaza militants spiking in recent days and public pressure for action growing, Israeli leaders have held consultations, discussed military contingency plans and are now trying to prepare foreign governments for the possibility that the military could move beyond airstrikes against militants and act with more force, possibly even sending ground forces into the Hamas-controlled territory.

Israeli diplomats are meeting with their counterparts and decision-makers abroad as part of the new effort, Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said.