After rocket fire – Israel strikes targets in Gaza and Lebanon

In response to heavy rocket fire the previous day, Israel struck targets in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip on Friday night. In the early hours of the morning, the Israeli army reported that it had targeted Hamas’ “terrorist infrastructure” in the neighboring country. The military will “not allow the Hamas terrorist organization to operate from Lebanon.” The Lebanese state is also responsible for any shelling emanating from its territory.

According to media reports, there were explosions south of the city of Tyros. A Palestinian refugee camp is said to be nearby. During the night, the Israeli army had already launched attacks on the Gaza Strip.

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 the neighboring country.

At least 36 rockets were fired into Israeli territory on Thursday, according to military information from Lebanon — the highest number since 2006. Two people in northern Israel were slightly injured. 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 in Jerusalem on Thursday night.

Israeli fighter jets bombed Islamic Hamas weapons factories in the Gaza Strip overnight, the army said. It was initially 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 Joav Galant had previously instructed the military to “prepare for all possible responses to recent events”.

Netanyahu said the internal debate in Israel will not prevent the country from taking action “anywhere, anytime” against the country’s enemies. 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.

Israeli President Izchak 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.

Tensions in Jerusalem

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.

In recent nights, there have been violent clashes between police and Palestinians on the Temple Mount. Videos posted to social media showed military forces using batons and rubber bullets to remove Palestinians from 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.

The Temple Mount is under Muslim rule, while Israel is responsible for its security. According to the Israeli police, it is generally forbidden to stay there overnight. Many Palestinian believers see their right to practice their religion restricted. The Temple Mount with the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. However, it is also sacred to Jews because there used to be two Jewish temples.

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. (sda/dpa)