IDF Launches Widespread Attack on Gaza Terror Targets

In response to the incessant rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip – more than 700 have struck Israel since the beginning of the year, and more than 200 since Shabbos – the IDF has launched a widespread campaign against terror targets in Gaza. The operation, called Pillar of Defense, has two main goals: to protect Israeli civilians and to cripple the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza.

This post provides updates as they become available from the IDF spokesperson.

11:35 PM: Over the past 24 hours, the IDF continued with Operation Pillar of Defense, targeting dozens of rocket launching sites, inflicting severe damage to the rocket launching capabilities of terror organizations operating in the Gaza Strip.

Since the start of the operation the Israeli Air Force has targeted 300 terror activity sites in the Gaza Strip.

Over the past few days, over 300 rockets were fired at Israeli communities. One rocket hit the central Israeli city Rishon Lezion, located approximately 60 km from the Gaza Strip.

Additionally, three Israelis were killed when a rocket hit their house.

The Iron Dome Missile Defense System has successfully intercepted over 130 rockets launched from Gaza, aimed at Israel.

10:00 PM: During the past hour, during a rapid and coordinated military strike, the IDF targeted approximately 70 underground medium range (up to 40 km) rocket launching sites in the Gaza Strip.

7:00 PM: A few minutes ago, sirens in Tel Aviv sent residents running for shelter. We can confirm that no rockets struck in the area.

5:15 PM: A short while ago, a rocket fired from Gaza struck an open area near Rishon LeZion, a city with more than 200,000 people.

4:30 PM: So far today the IDF has targeted more than 100 rocket launching sites in Gaza, severely damaging the capabilities of Palestinian terrorist organizations. More than 200 sites have been targeted since the beginning of Operation Pillar of Defense.

11:50 AM: A short while ago, the IDF targeted a rocket warehouse in Gaza.

11:10 AM: Since the beginning of Operation Pillar of Defense, the IDF has targeted 156 terror sites in the Gaza Strip

9:17 AM: Three Israeli civilians were killed when a rocket fired from Gaza hit their home in the town of Kiryat Malakhi.

8:58 AM: Rocket from Gaza hits a house in southern Israel. 133 rockets fired from Gaza during the last 24 hours.

8:32 AM: Since midnight, the Iron Dome has intercepted 13 rockets fired from Gaza into Israel.

7:23 AM: This morning, the IDF dispersed leaflets above several locations in the Gaza Strip, warning local residents to stay away from Hamas and other terrorist organizations.

The contents of the leaflet:

“Important announcement for the residents of the Gaza Strip:

For your own safety, take responsibility for yourselves and avoid being present in the vicinity of Hamas operatives and facilities and those of other terror organizations that pose a risk to your safety.

Hamas is once again dragging the region to violence and bloodshed. The IDF is determined to defend the residents of the State of Israel. This announcement is valid until quiet is restored to the region.

Israel Defense Forces Command.”

Warning leaflet dispersed over the Gaza Strip

7:18 AM: Overnight, approximately 100 medium and long range rocket launch and infrastructure sites across the Gaza Strip were targeted. The aim of this targeting is to impair the rocket launching capability of terror organizations in the Gaza Strip such as Hamas, and damage their future build up. Furthermore, IAF aircraft targeted several rocket launching squads while these were preparing to fire rockets into Israel, and tank shells were used to target several terror activity sites.

5:30 AM: So far today an additional seven rockets fired from Gaza hit Israel. Since the beginning of the operation, 54 rockets struck southern Israel – overall, 822 rockets in 2012. The Iron Dome system has successfully intercepted 28 rockets, while IDF forces have struck 105 terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip.

4:30 AM: Since the beginning of the operation, the IDF has struck approximately 100 terror targets, with the combined forces of the Israeli Air Force and Navy. So far the Iron Dome system has successfully intercepted 28 rockets.

{Matzav.com Israel News Bureau}