According to a statement released by the Islamic Jihad, its operatives succeeded in entering Israeli territorial waters from Gaza, the port area of Ashkelon, stating that in addition to the 2 bombs that were discovered on Monday, a number of others were placed in the area and detonated in retaliation for the elimination of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai, blaming Israel’s Mossad for his murder.

The Islamic Jihad boasts responsibility for the two bombs discovered along the beach on Monday, working with Fatah and the Popular Resistance organization, stating a number of other bombs were detonated in the Ashkelon coast area.

The terrorist state that two of the eight bombs were detected and neutralized without incident, and the search for six others continues.

Between Ashkelon and Ashdod there is the Asadat oil rig, perhaps one of the targets, as well as vessels in port and perhaps even visitors to the beach. Whatever the case, authorities are taking the threat extremely seriously, evaluating the situation and implementing appropriate measures. Israel Police Southern Commander Yochanan Daninu has called for stepped-up shore patrols, focusing on the area between Zikim and Ashdod.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)