Israel Retaliates for Rocket Attack Into Sharon Region

Following a situation assessment which took place after the morning rocket attack from Gaza, the IDF Spokesman’s Office announced that two reservist infantry brigades and an armored brigade, which were in the midst of training exercises, are being deployed along the Gaza border. In addition, there is a limited call-up of IDF reservists to operate the Iron Dome, with all forces reporting to the Southern District Command.

Israel on Monday morning began the first stage of retaliation for the early-morning rocket attack that destroyed a home in Moshav Mishmeret in the Sharon region, leaving seven persons wounded and killing a dog.

Shortly following the attack, Israel announced it was canceling lightening of restrictions, including the expanded Gaza fishing area, as well as the closure of the Erez and Kerem Shalom Crossings, bringing a halt to the importation of non-humanitarian items into Hamas-controlled Gaza.

The trucks seen below were hoping to pass into Gaza, but now, following the closure of the crossings, this will not occur.

צילמתי עכשיו. המשאיות הללו עם הסחורות היו אמורות להגיע למעבר כרם שלום ומשם לעזה. בעקבות המתיחות וההחלטה לסגור מעברים הם נעצרו בכפר עזה. pic.twitter.com/tPAfEnJ0I3

— amir bohbot (@amirbohbot) March 25, 2019

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is in the United States, for meeting in the White House with US Pres. Donald Trump later today. Mr. Netanyahu announced that in response to the rocket attack to the Sharon region, he is cutting his trip short, and heading home immediately after the White House meeting. He will not be addressing the AIPAC forum as planned.

Mr. Netanyahu commented, “Several minutes ago I concluded a telephone update and consultation with the Chief of Staff, the head of the ISA Director and the head of the National Security Council. There has been a criminal attack on the State of Israel, and we will respond forcefully. In light of the security events I have decided to cut short my visit to the US. In a few hours I will meet with President Trump; I will return to Israel immediately afterwards in order to manage our actions from close at hand.”