In response to heavy rocket fire the previous day, Israel struck targets in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip on Friday night. In the morning, the Israeli army reported on Twitter about attacks in Lebanon, but no further details were disclosed.
According to media reports, there were explosions south of the city of Tyros. There would be a Palestinian refugee camp nearby. During the night, Israel had already carried out attacks in Gaza. The army believes that Hamas, which is in power there, or the militant Palestinian organization Islamic Jihad, which is also active there, are responsible for the rocket attacks from Lebanon. At least 36 rockets were fired into Israeli territory from its northern neighbor on Thursday – the highest number since 2006, according to Israeli military information. Two people in northern Israel were slightly injured.
Are militant Palestinians behind this?
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. However, Israel blamed militant Palestinians and announced consistent action. “We will meet our enemies and they will pay the price for any kind of aggression,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday evening.
The Israeli army is preparing
Israeli fighter jets bombed Islamic Hamas weapons factories at night, according to the army. It is still unclear whether there were any injuries or even deaths. According to Palestinian media and eyewitnesses, explosions could be heard and smoke could be seen over the coastal enclave. Defense Minister Yoav Galant had previously instructed the military to “prepare for any possible response to recent events”.
Netanyahu said the internal debate in Israel will not stop the country from cracking down on the country’s enemies “everywhere, anytime”. The prime minister referred to a judicial reform pushed by the right-wing religious government, which has divided Israeli society for weeks. The security cabinet met in Jerusalem in the evening.
President Yitzhak Herzog said, “The State of Israel will act at all levels to ensure its security.” At the same time, he called on the international community to strongly condemn the attacks. Tensions continue to rise on the border with Lebanon. The two neighboring countries are officially at war.
Thousands of Muslims expected on Temple Mount
Meanwhile, Israeli police in Jerusalem prepared for the third Friday of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. Some 2,300 emergency services have been deployed, a spokeswoman said in the evening. Accordingly, thousands of Muslims are again expected for Friday prayers on the Temple Mount. “We will continue to act against anyone who disturbs public order,” the police said.
Fighting between police and Palestinians
In recent nights, there have been violent clashes between police and Palestinians on the Temple Mount. Videos posted to social media showed the armed forces using batons and rubber bullets to force Palestinians out of Al-Aqsa Mosque. According to the police, the groups tried to barricade themselves in the mosque. Firecrackers and stones were also thrown at police officers. Several Arab countries condemned the action.
Violent confrontations are frequent in the area around the mosque. About two years ago, the situation escalated into an eleven-day conflict between Israel and Hamas. In the coming days, Ramadan, the Jewish Passover and Easter will coincide. Significantly more believers than usual are expected in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
