LIVE BLOG of IDF actions against Gaza terror targets

The Israel Defense Forces' website has lots of information, social media and outreach, but on Wednesday added an element that may surprise some: A live blog of "Operation Pillar of Defense," what it's calling the country's efforts against "terror targets" in Gaza.

The new blog is a "response to the incessant rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip — more than 700 have struck Israel since the beginning of the year, and more than 120 since Saturday," the IDF says on its site. The operation, "a widespread campaign against terror targets in Gaza ... has two main goals: to protect Israeli civilians and to cripple the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza."

The blog is a chronicle of strikes and counterstrikes. One update reads, "The Israeli Navy has struck terror sites in the Gaza Strip," while another, a bit later, says, "As of this time, the Iron Dome has intercepted 17 rockets fired from Gaza. Hamas continues to try to attack Israeli civilians."

The blog, which also includes photos and videos, will "provide updates as they become available," the IDF notes.