IDF Spokesperson’s unit reports IAF responding for the 2nd time, after IDF tanks & jets fired on 4 terrorist positions in Gaza earlier in the day, when Palestinian Islamic Jihad fired their first salvo of about 12 mortar shells towards an IDF outpost earlier in the afternoon.

By ANNA AHRONHEIM

Israel Defense Forces fired on two terrorist positions in the central Gaza Strip with Israel Air Force fighter jets on Thursday in response to mortar fire, according to the IDF Spokesperson’s unit.

Earlier in the day, IDF tanks and aircraft fired towards four positions in the Gaza Strip after Palestinian Islamic Jihad fired about 12 mortar shells towards an army outpost earlier in the afternoon.

IDF tank-shells hit Hamas post east of Bureij, Gaza in response to attack on IDF patrol on Israel’s border. – not attributed

Several hours later, an additional salvo of mortars was fired from Gaza towards the Erez crossing, according to Palestinian reports.

There were no casualties and only minor damage following the projectile fire.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot and the Head of the Southern Division and Intelligence met to discuss the incident and felt that no further restrictions should be imposed on the civilian population of the region.

Last month, the Islamic Jihad terror group vowed vengeance against Israel after 12 of its members were killed when the IDF blew up a tunnel they were digging that stretched under the Israel-Gaza border. In response to the threat, Israel placed protective Iron Dome batteries in central locations around the country.

“It is exactly 1 month since the IDF destroyed the tunnel and PIJ carried out their retaliation today,” Manelis added.

Alarms were heard in the city of Sderot and the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council. Shortly after the IDF said they were false alarms.

Train service in the area was temporarily halted but was resumed just before 4 pm, Israeli media reported.

Civilian communities were not threatened at any moment.

Minister of Transportation and Intelligence Israel Katz said Israel would continue to hold a “zero tolerance” policy towards enemy fire from Gaza.

Unexploded fallen mortar – Photo: IsraelandStuff/PP

He said the mortar fire from Gaza “proves that [Palestinian Authority] Mahmoud Abbas is nothing more than a fig leaf that covers up a severe reality of armed and threatening terror organizations.”

View original The Jerusalem Post publication at:
http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/IDF-tanks-fire-on-Gaza-after-mortar-attack-515680