Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Just before midnight on Wednesday, Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched a massive rocket barrage that reached towards central Israel, setting off sirens all the way in Rehovot, just south of Tel Aviv.
As Israel sought to contain the escalation—this time, without Hamas in the mix—a fragile situation emerged that could easily and dramatically change due to any significant civilian casualty on either side.
Israeli defense minister declares “special situation” in areas along Gaza border • Gaza sources report 23 dead, including 11 terrorists • IDF reports 90 percent success rate for Iron Dome.
Israel assembles forces on Gaza border, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad vows to continue attacks.
Its Amigour subsidiary also sent construction teams to repair homes hit by rocket fire, in coordination with Israel’s Ministry of Finance.
“Once again, Israelis are being barraged by rocket attacks, which have disrupted life for millions,” said Jewish Federation of North America spokesperson Rebecca Dinar. “Federations stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel’s resilient citizens across the nation and send prayers for peace.”
In the first hours of battle between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hamas sat on the sidelines.
While officials insisted that this was a “one-off” operation and that Israel does not intend to return to a campaign of targeted assassinations, it also demonstrates to Hamas that Israel is still perfectly capable of obtaining detailed intelligence and carrying out a precision strike.
Islamic Jihad claims Israel targeted senior official in Damascus
Official’s son reported to be dead in strike on house in Syrian capital; Palestinian terrorist group blames “Zionist criminal entity.”
Rockets score direct hits in Netivot, Sderot, Rishon Letzion and Ashdod • IDF orders schools and businesses closed from Gaza to Tel Aviv, warns attacks may continue for “several days.”
Israel seeks to prevent a powder keg from detonating at the southern border as it prioritizes the more threatening front up north.
Efforts to replicate the rocket threat in the Gaza Strip have been nipped in the bud due to Israel’s intelligence network and nightly counter-terrorism raids.
