Although Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system is fairly effective at intercepting rockets launched from Gaza into Israeli territory, a recent incident in which a Syrian anti-air missile overshot its target and fell into central Israel has revealed glaring holes in the country’s air defense net.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced early on Saturday that it had struck “Hamas terror targets in Gaza”, including underground infrastructure and rocket launchers in a move following a series of rocket attacks launched from the territory of the Gaza Strip.
According to local media reports, at least 18 missiles were fired throughout the night from Gaza towards Southern Israel.
Late Friday, the IDF said an alert had been triggered in Kissufim, a kibbutz roughly a mile from the border with the Gaza Strip, and that it was reviewing the report. Three rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip, one of which was intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system. The other two are reported to have landed in open terrain, causing no injuries or damage. The IDF later confirmed these reports, noting the two rockets not intercepted both exploded near the border fence.
A few hours later, at roughly 1:52 am local time, the IDF reported sirens sounding for a second time in southern Israel. The Jerusalem Post said two rockets were fired further north, toward the kibbutz of Be’eri and moshav of Kfar Maimon. The IDF said one of the rockets was intercepted.
Roughly 20 minutes after the second warning, a third set of a sirens was reported by the IDF. According to Israeli Public Broadcasting, this barrage included four rockets, two of which were intercepted. The IDF then also reported a fourth warning for just one rocket.
Earlier this week, an Israeli mob in Jerusalem attacked Palestinians and anyone judged to have an “Arabic accent,” chanting “death to Arabs” and ransacking several homes. Days later, a Palestinian protest saw more than 100 people injured by Israeli police, including 22 people sent to hospitals, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
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