The IDF moves up a notch to rescue the 3 kidnapped young Israelis in West Bank by calling up reserves and preparing anti-rocket batteries in southern Israel.
Iron Dome – Photo: IDF Spokesperson
Also on Sunday, the air force deployed a number of Iron Dome anti-rocket batteries in southern Israel.
The IDF arrested 80 Hamas members – including members of the Palestinian Legislative Council – in a massive wave of raids throughout the West Bank early on Sunday, as part of Israel’s response to the kidnapping of three Israeli youths on Thursday.
IDF soldiers in southern entrance of Hebron. June 15
He described the operational pattern of the kidnappers as “certainly being complex and different,” suggesting that a terrorist organization was involved.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu placed the blame on Hamas for the kidnapping, although the terrorist organization immediately denied the charge, calling the accusation “stupid.”
IDF soldiers in southern entrance of Hebron. June 15 – Photo: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST
Hamas leaders Hassan Yousef, Wasfi Qabaha, Khaled Abu Arafeh and Mohammed Totah were among those arrested by the IDF, according to Palestinian reports. Two senior Hamas officials were also reported to be missing from their homes since Thursday. Security forces were investigating any possible connection to the kidnapping.
View original Jerusalem post publication at: http://www.jpost.com/Defense/IDF-calls-up-reserves-deploys-Iron-Dome-in-South-359370