Tension in South Continues, IDF Targets Terrorists
Over the course of Friday afternoon and early evening (Israel time), IAF aircraft targeted terrorists as they were preparing to launch rockets at Israel from three separate locations in the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF Spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, terrorists continued to launch rockets and missiles at southern Israel throughout the day. Army Radio is reporting that at least 22 rockets and missiles were fired at Israel on Friday, with the latest Grad missiles having exploded near Moshav Be’er Tuvia. Two other rockets exploded in open areas near Ashdod.
More IAF Strikes on Gaza Terror Targets
The IDF reiterated it will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israeli civilians and soldiers, and will respond with determination to any attempt to use terror against the State of Israel.
The IDF says it holds the Hamas terrorist organization solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza.
It is unclear how IDF retaliatory strikes since Thursday's horrific attack mark a change in doctrine from the 'airstrikes for attacks' paradigm that has allowed terror groups to maintain - and improve - their infrastructure in recent years.
'Senior PRC commander killed in IDF strike in Gaza Strip'
An IAF strike in the northern Gaza Strip Friday evening killed Samed Abdul Mu'ty Abed, identified by Israeli media as a senior commander in the Popular Resistance Committees, Palestinian news agency Ma'an reported.
Israel Air Force aircraft struck four targets in the Gaza Strip on Friday afternoon in response to a series of rockets that hit Israel, one of which left six people injured in Ashdod.
The army said it struck two weapons production facilities, and two other terror targets, one in the north and one in the south of the strip. No injuries were reported.
Netanyahu: Attack on Terror Commanders Was Just the beginning
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said on Friday that the IDF’s instant retaliation for the murderous attacks in southern Israel was just the beginning.
During a visit with soldiers who were wounded in the attacks and are currently hospitalized in the Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva, Netanyahu said, “IDF soldiers and YAMAM warriors reacted immediately yesterday. We killed the leaders of the organization that sent the terrorists. But that is only the first response.”
Netanyahu added, “We have a policy to charge a very high price from those who hurt us and this policy is implemented.”
In a short statement he made after the IDF's retaliation, Netanyahu said: “We all witnessed an attempt to ratchet up the level of terror emanating from Sinai. If someone thinks that Israel will put up with this, he is wrong.
“I have established a principle: when Israeli citizens are hurt, we hit back immediately, and with force. This principle was implemented today. The people who gave the order to murder our civilians, who were hiding in Gaza, are no longer among the living,” Netanyahu said.
PM: Killing PRC leadership only first response to attacks
He continued: “I have set out a principle – when the citizens of Israel are attacked, we respond immediately and with strength. That principle was implemented today. Those who gave the order to murder our citizens, while hiding in Gaza, are no longer among the living.”
The PRC members killed in the retaliatory IAF air strike included the head of the terror group Kamal Nirab, who the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) said had personally directed and planned the attack.
Another man killed in the strike was identified as Amas Hamed, commander of the PRC’s military wing and a resident of Rafah. The Shin Bet said that Hamed was involved in the abduction of IDF soldier Gilad Schalit in June 2006 and oversaw numerous attacks against Israel including suicide bombings and rocket attacks.
Two other known PRC terrorists, including one who was also involved in Schalit’s abduction, were also killed in the air strike.
It appears that the events of the last few days are just the beginning. In this powder-keg who knows what may happen next, but we should all follow these developments closely.
Stay tuned, there will certainly be more to come.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar