Senior government officials stated to Arutz Sheva Friday that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon had authorized the IDF to retaliate with force to a barrage of over 18 rockets on Israeli civilians Friday morning.
The report surfaces less than one hour after Palestinian media sources reported possible airstrikes in northern Gaza.
IDF Spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner confirmed both reports close to 11:00 am Friday.
“The renewed rocket attacks by terrorists at Israel are unacceptable, intolerable and shortsighted,” Lerner added. “Hamas’ bad decision to breach the ceasefire will be pursued by the IDF, we will continue to strike Hamas, its infrastructure, its operatives and restore security for the State of Israel.”
Seconds later, the IDF Spokesperson’s Office tweeted a confirmation, adding that it is “targeting terror sites” in Gaza.
“The IDF remains alert and maintains a high level of preparedness with both defensive capabilities, and striking capabilities in order to address the renewed aggression,” the IDF added, in a press release. “The IDF is determined to defend the civilians of the state of Israel.”
A military spokeswoman told AFP that no Israeli soldiers entered Gaza to carry out the strikes.
There has been “no change on the ground,” she said.
Senior government officials also added that the Israeli delegation to Cairo has been recalled, and already landed in Israel as of 7:00 am Friday morning.
The announcement, if true, surfaces after several ministers called for an end to the negotiations, which Hamas and Islamic Jihad have insisted would continue despite continuing to fire rockets on Israel and despite rejecting an extension of a 72-hour ceasefire.
At roughly 10:35 am, an additional salvo was fired on Sderot; the Iron Dome intercepted one, and two fell in open areas.
Sirens have also sounded in Be’eri, Nahal Oz, Alumim, Kfar Aza and Sa’ad.
Updates to follow.
Leave a Reply