Israel responds to Gaza rocket fire with multiple airstrikes on terrorist targets

Two Gaza rockets intercepted by Iron Dome system, 3rd hits a building in Israel & 4th falls short killing 3 yr-old Palestinian girl.

 

Air force jets late on Tuesday struck targets in the Gaza Strip following missile fire on southern Israel.

Smoke billowing from sites targeted by Israel Air Force - AFP - November 16, 2012.

A picture taken from the southern Israeli Gaza border shows smoke billowing from sites targeted by Israel Air Force strike in the Gaza Strip, November 16, 2012. – Photo: AFP

Earlier, two rockets were launched from Gaza at Hof Ashkelon Regional Council. Two were intercepted by an Iron Dome anti-rocket defense battery. A third rocket fell at Sdot Negev Regional Council, damaging a building.

Following the barrage, the Israel Defense Forces said that it will “not tolerate attempts to harm Israeli citizens or IDF soldiers, and will act against anyone who operates terror against Israel.”

The IDF has responded to every incident of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip since the beginning of Operation Brother’s Keeper in the West Bank 12 days ago. More than 20 targets in Gaza were bombed by the Air force.

Security forces estimate that the Islamic Jihad, and not Hamas, is responsible for some of the launches in the past week and a half, while others were probably carried out by organizations that do not accept Hamas’ rule in the Strip.

 

View original HAARETZ publication at: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.600993