IAF strikes targets in Gaza in response to rockets
Home Front Defense Minister Dichter says a new, complete deterrence strategy needed after rocket hits home in Sderot.
By YAAKOV LAPPIN, JPOST.COM STAFF
The air force struck two terrorist targets in Gaza overnight Friday in retaliation for a rocket attack.Palestinian sources said the air strikes targeted Hamas training facilities, adding that two men were moderately wounded.The IDF Spokesman’s Office said both targets were hit accurately and that all planes returned to base safely.“We will continue to take action against attempts to harm Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers. Hamas is responsible for all terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip,” the spokesman added.Earlier on Friday, a home in Sderot sustained a direct hit from a rocket strike.Four members of a family suffered shock as a result. There were no physical injuries.A few years ago, a Palestinian rocket slammed into the same house.Home Front Defense Minister Avi Dichter visited the home on Friday, and said Israel will have to alter its deterrence strategy.Describing the current situation as intolerable, Dichter said Israel would have to initiate a “complete deterrence strategy to stop the terrorism.”Overnight Tuesday, the air force struck three targets in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for Palestinian rocket fire on Sderot and the surrounding area. Aircraft bombed two weapons production sites and a weapons warehouse in northern Gaza in that attack.