Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak insist any and every ceasefire violation will be met with a harsh response. That said, three rockets were fired into southern Israel after midnight. Many more rockets were fired from 21:00 when the ceasefire began officially until midnight, but Barak stated this was to be expected based on past ceasefires with Hamas.

Israel Police, MDA and other emergency response organizations remain on high alert Thursday, 8 Kislev 5773, realizing it will take some time to assess the integrity of the ceasefire.

Police are especially concerned about Islamic prayer services on Har HaBayis on Friday. A large force of personnel will be on hand, deployed in and around the Old City to prevent any Islamic violence or attacks.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)