The IDF struck sites belonging to Hamas in the Gaza Strip, after two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Ashkelon on Thursday night.One rocket fell in an open field, while the second was intercepted by the Iron Dome system.
The IDF strikes targeted underground infrastructure and a site used to manufacture weapons.
"The IDF takes all terrorist activity against Israeli territory very seriously and is prepared and willing to act as much as necessary against attempts to harm Israel's citizens and its sovereignty," said the IDF Spokespersons Unit on Thursday night. "The terrorist organization Hamas bears responsibility for what is happening inside and outside of the Gaza Strip, and will bear the consequences of terrorist acts against Israeli citizens."
This was the third time within a week that rockets have been fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel.Following the rocket fire and during a stopover on his way back from meetings in Washington DC, Defense Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz held a security consultation with security officials and MK Michael Biton who is serving in his place while he is outside of the country.Ahmed Al-Mudallal, a senior member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, stated shortly after the rocket fire that "the Palestinian resistance is in a state of complete readiness for any confrontation or escalation, and the equation of bombing will be met with bombing is still in place," according to Palestinian media.
On Friday, one rocket was fired towards southern Israel and landed in an open area without causing damages or injuries. A second rocket was fired towards southern Israel on Tuesday after the IDF announced that it had uncovered a terror tunnel belonging to Hamas.Hamas arrested the cell responsible for firing the rockets on Friday, N12 reported citing reports from Gaza.
The IDF did not respond to the rocket fire on Friday, but did conduct an airstrike on an underground facility belonging to Hamas in the Gaza Strip after the rocket fire on Wednesday.