IDF calls up reserves, deploys Iron Dome in South

The IDF ramps up operations to rescue three kidnapped Israelis in West Bank by calling up a limited number of reserves, preparing anti-rocket batteries.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Iron Dome 370 (photo credit: IDF Spokesperson)
Iron Dome 370
(photo credit: IDF Spokesperson)
The IDF has called up a limited number of reserves as the military operation to rescue three kidnapped Israelis in the West Bank continues to grow. The call up is small in scope at this stage. 

Also on Sunday, the air force deployed a number of Iron Dome anti-rocket batteries in southern Israel. The IDF arrested 80 Hamas members - including members of the Palestinian Legislative Council - in a massive wave of raids throughout the West Bank early on Sunday, as part of Israel's response to the kidnapping of three Israeli youths on Thursday.He described the operational pattern of the kidnappers as "certainly being complex and different," suggesting that a terrorist organization was involved. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu placed the blame on Hamas for the kidnapping, although the terrorist organization immediately denied the charge, calling the accusation "stupid."Hamas leaders Hassan Yousef, Wasfi Qabaha, Khaled Abu Arafeh and Mohammed Totah were among those arrested by the IDF, according to Palestinian reports. Two senior Hamas officials were also reported to be missing from their homes since Thursday. Security forces were investigating any possible connection to the kidnapping.