IDF calls up Air Force reservists amid terror attacks, rocket barrages

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi convened a situation assessment on Friday afternoon, during which he ordered the call up of some reserves, with an emphasis on air defense and offensive formations in the Air Force, in light of the tensions in the region.

The IDF decided to reinforce infantry and artillery forces in northern and southern Israel on Friday morning in order to prepare for possible developments amid the continuing escalation in the region.

"The forces are on high alert, both in the north, in the south, and in the West Bank to protect the roads and the residents in the settlements, to respond to breaking events and attempts to harm the residents," said IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari.

Residents of communities near the Gaza border were instructed by Home Front Command to stay near bomb shelters until further notice on Friday morning, as Palestinian terrorist groups continued to fire rockets from the Gaza Strip towards Israel.

Earlier in the morning, a home in Sderot was hit by a projectile, although it is as of yet unclear if it was a rocket, shrapnel or pieces of an Iron Dome interceptor. No bodily injuries were caused by the impact.

At least 44 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards southern Israel overnight. Military positions belonging to Hamas along the Gaza border were targeted by the IDF on Friday morning.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted an attack on the Gaza Strip at 4:30 a.m. on Friday morning, in response to rocket fire from the region on Wednesday and Thursday. 

The IDF destroyed a heavy machine gun on Friday morning that was used to shoot at Israeli aircraft overhead as well as Israeli territory, according to a report from the IDF Spokesperson's Unit. 

Israeli Defense Forces conducted strikes in Lebanon on Friday morning, according to the IDF Spokesperson's Unit. 

Forces attacked Hamas targets in southern Lebanon, according to the IDF. 

No further details were revealed about the nature of the IDF's activity. 

This is a developing story.

Rocket sirens were heard twice in Sderot and Ibim in the early hours of Friday morning. They were also heard once in Karmiel and Netiv HaAssara. 

Just before 2 a.m. on Friday morning, sirens sounded in the towns of Nirim, Mefalsim and Nir Am near the Gaza Strip. 

Hebrew language media reported that at least 9 rockets have been fired in the latest Thursday night-Friday morning rocket barrage from Gaza. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded his security cabinet meeting in the early hours of Friday morning, amid a new barrage of rocket fire from Gaza. 

At the meeting's conclusion, according to Army Radio, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said: "[We are] prepared for the various possibilities - we will know how to act against any threat." 

Netanyahu's office sent out a statement on Thursday afternoon, saying the prime minister will hold a situational assessment with his security cabinet later on Thursday. The security cabinet is expected to meet at 8:30 p.m. according to N12.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also said he was familiar with the details of the security situation in Israel's North, adding that initial orders were given to the IDF for a response. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi later convened a meeting with the IDF General staff, with Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar attending as well.

The barrage included 34 rocket launches from Lebanese territory into Israeli territory, the IDF confirmed in a statement.

Of the 34 rockets, 25 were intercepted in the air, while five landed on Israeli territory. The location of four of the rockets is still under investigation.

President Isaac Herzog said, "The State of Israel will act on all levels to safeguard its security and its citizens' security. I demand that the international community forcefully condemn the blatant violation of international law and not lend a hand to terror and attacks on innocents.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen tweeted, "First day of Passover. As we sit at the holiday table, family and friends, Israel is facing rockets from south and north. This is not a coincidence. No one should test us, we will take all necessary measures to defend our country and people.

"I call on the international community to issue a clear statement against those responsible for the attacks on Israel." 

Opposition leader and Yesh Atid chairman MK Yair Lapid wrote, "Israel today is at conflict on four fronts: the northern border, Gaza border area, Judea and Samaria and in Jerusalem."

"After we brought security and diplomatic quiet in the previous government, the current government's extreme and irresponsible conduct led to severe damage to deterrence."

"Our enemies are wrong in their assessment of our internal resilience. When it comes to security, in Israel there is no coalition and opposition. We will stand united against any enemy. The opposition will give the government full support for a harsh response by the IDF and security forces," Lapid wrote, adding that Israel should choose when and how to respond and not play into the hands of Israel's enemies who want an escalation during the month of Ramadan.

The rocket barrage on northern Israel from southern Lebanon, as well rocket launches from the Gaza Strip, constitute a declaration of war, coalition MK Almog Cohen (Otzma Yehudit) wrote on Twitter on Thursday evening.

מי שמכיל בדרום יחטוף בצפון.
מתקפה על מדינת ישראל במהלך החג היא הכרזת מלחמה.
איננו ששים אלי-קרב, אך הגיע העת להילחם!

— אלמוג כהן Almog cohen (@almog_cohen08) April 6, 2023

-"An attack on the State of Israel during the holiday is a declaration of war. We are hesitant to do so, but the time has come to fight!"