An attack from Hamas terror group has prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut his trip to the US short. Returning to Israel on Monday, Netanyahu vowed to respond “forcefully.” US President Donald Trump lent his support to the Israeli strikes, recognizing Israel’s “right to defend itself.”
We have just started striking Hamas targets throughout the Gaza Strip.— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 25, 2019
The Israeli Defense Forces have started attacking Hamas terror targets in the Gaza Strip on Monday.
We have just targeted Hamas’ secret military intelligence HQ in Gaza.
The context for this strike: Last night, Hamas fired a rocket 75 miles into Israel. The rocket destroyed a house and wounded seven people, including children.
We will defend our homes. pic.twitter.com/AIWV1tn8V2— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 25, 2019
“At this hour the IDF is beginning to attack terror targets belonging to the Hamas terror organization along the entire length of the Gaza Strip,” the IDF Spokesman’s Office said.
Earlier in the day, Israel moved two Army brigades to the Gaza border. The IDF also announced a limited call-up of reserves.
The IDF also instructed Israeli farmers near the Gaza border to leave their fields on Monday afternoon. After-school programs in towns and cities near the border were cancelled.
The IDF attack is a response to an early morning rocket strike from the Gaza Strip struck a house in central Israel on Monday, wounding seven people, including an infant.
IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Ronen Manelis, responding to questions about why Israel’s Iron Dome defense system hadn’t stopped the rocket, said that no Iron Dome battery was deployed in the area.