While a ceasefire went into effect, with the Homefront Command removing all restrictions on residents in the south and center of the country, “the IDF remains on high alert for many scenarios,” Zilberman said, adding that the IDF needs to remain focused on the northern front.“We are at high readiness and preparedness on all fronts, not only in Gaza. We are facing a significant challenge against Iranian activity in a variety of arenas and not only in Syria.”According to Zilberman, the threats posed by Iran were taken into consideration for the operation and “we took advantage of the window of opportunity in Gaza.”Defense Minister Naftali Bennett was present throughout the assessments and discussions with senior IDF officials and the security establishment regarding the operation, including the last few hours ahead of the ceasefire.“The new rules of the game are clear: the IDF will operate with complete freedom of action, with no restrictions,” Bennett said. “A terrorist who tries to hurt the citizens of Israel will no longer be able to sleep peacefully, neither in his home nor in his bed, nor anywhere in hiding.”Praising the IDF and the Israeli residents of the south, he urged the public to remain alert and attentive.“At this point, it's not over yet. Only the acts in the field will determine the end.”#BREAKING: #Egypt and the #UN worked hard to prevent the most dangerous escalation in and around #Gaza from leading to #war. The coming hours and days will be critical. ALL must show maximum restraint and do their part to prevent bloodshed. The #MiddleEast does not need more wars
— Nickolay E. MLADENOV (@nmladenov) November 14, 2019
Rockets fired hours after Israel, Islamic Jihad announce ceasefire
After two days of heavy fighting between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the two sides announced a ceasefire on Thursday morning, which went into affect around 5:30 a.m..
