Swords of Iron: Here is what happened on days 1 and 2
Hamas rocket directly slams into building in Ashkelon • 2,315 wounded, over 300 in serious condition
Britain 'unequivocally' condemns Hamas attack on Israel
Britain "unequivocally condemns" a surprise attack by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel on Saturday, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said.
"The UK unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians. The UK will always support Israel’s right to defend itself," Cleverly said in a post on social media.
Go to the full article >>Israeli opposition sends message of support, unity amid Hamas rockets
The message was sent out as constant sirens sounded in Israel with multiple sirens being sounded as far as Jerusalem.
Israel's opposition leaders sent out a joint message of unity and support for the government on Saturday morning after Hamas surprised Israel with a barrage of rockets while the people of Israel celebrated Simchat Torah.
The message was sent out as constant sirens sounded in Israel with multiple sirens being sounded as far as Jerusalem.
"This is a difficult morning for the State of Israel," said the message. "We give full support to the IDF and the defense system. We are all united against terrorism and need to hit it with a heavy and determined hand. Hamas and every other terrorist organization that cooperates with it in the south or elsewhere must pay a heavy price for this attack. The international community must be enlisted against this terrorism."
"We support the citizens of Israel, the IDf soldiers, and all the security and emergency forces. We call on the citizens - listen to the instructions of the Home Front, look after yourselves, and together, we will overcome the terrorism.
"Right now, there is no opposition and coalition in Israel. We give full support to the defense forces for a strong response."
Some MKs wrote messages in English for the international community
"The Hamas terrorist organization made a grave mistake this morning and launched a war against the State of Israel," said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. "IDF troops are fighting the enemy at every location. I call on all of Israel’s citizens to follow security instructions. The State of Israel will win this war."
"This morning terrorists launched an unprovoked attack against Israel," said opposition leader Yair Lapid. "Our people were awoken by the sounds of sirens, shooting, and explosions. The rocket attacks against innocent civilians are relentless. The whole world must stand with Israel as we defend ourselves from terror."
Other politicians evoked the memory of the Yom Kippur war that broke out 50 years ago almost to the day. Then too, the war was a surprise that hit while Israel was celebrating a holiday.
"Our power is in our unity," said Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman. "Fifty years to the Yom Kippur war, and once again we find ourselves in a war for our home against the enemy. The Israeli government must exact a heavy price from Hamas and especially the leaders of Hamas. We must win the operation."
Meanwhile, the protest movement that demonstrated over the past nine months against the government announced that the weekly Saturday night protest was cancelled due to the situation.
The Brothers in Arms faction of the movement, which led thousands of reservists in announcing that they would no longer serve, called on all reservists to do their part.
"Brothers in Arms calls everyone who is needed to report for duty to defend Israel without hesitation," the group wrote. "Right now, the most important thing is the security of the country's citizens."
Go to the full article >>Terrorists fire on attendees at outdoor party in Southern Israel
Earlier on Saturday, dozens of terrorists unexpectedly crossed from the Gaza Strip into Israel.
Attendees at an outdoor party near Kibbutz Urim in the South of Israel recounted terrifying moments of gunshots, prompting immediate evacuation: "We heard gunshots and began fleeing instantly. We are still in hiding."
Earlier on Saturday, dozens of terrorists unexpectedly crossed from the Gaza Strip into Israel. It appears some reached the outdoor gathering and unleashed gunfire on the unsuspecting party-goers near Urim, a kibbutz situated in the north-western Negev, roughly 9 kilometers from the city of Ofakim.
Eyewitness accounts and emerging videos from the scene depict attendees scrambling to safety, with security forces subsequently escorting some to a southern base. There is growing apprehension about the possibility of numerous casualties.
One of the attendees, Daniel, relayed his harrowing experience to Walla!: "We were alerted by a 'red siren' [rocket warning]. Chaos ensued, especially with vehicles trying to exit. Then the gunshots started, and we began to run. We're still hiding and awaiting rescue."
Go to the full article >>Israel at war: Here is where you can get help
On Saturday morning, the Health Ministry directed hospitals in the southern region to activate their emergency protocols, according to the Health Ministry. Hospitals have been advised to release patients who don't require ongoing in-patient care, either sending them home or to extended care facilities. The Ministry is maintaining close communication with all hospitals nationwide, guiding them to be prepared to transition into emergency procedures if required.
Health Ministry resilience centers
Due to the security events, the Health Ministry is updating the phone numbers of the resilience centers and the health fund hotlines.
For residents around the country:
Emtional aid
ERAN - Emotional First Aid: *1201
The ERAN organization is enhancing its hotlines on the phone and internet to respond to anyone needing emotional support and assistance. ERAN website https://www.eran.org.il/ can be a resource for chat, WhatsApp, forum, email, and messages for those in emotional need.
NATAL – the Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center: 1-800-363-363
The line provides psychological support for anyone feeling pressure, anxiety, and in need of emotional assistance due to the situation.
Resilience centers in the south:
Ashkelon - *2452, Hapardes Street 18
Ashkelon Coast Regional Council - 08-6775598
Eshkol - 08-9965264
Sderot - 08-6611140 / 08-6611150, Herzl Street 68
Sha'ar Hanegev - 077-9802755
Sdot Negev - 076-5322042/3/4
AMN - Western Negev - 055-3063853
Smilu Street 10, Netivot
Bedouin Resilience Center - 0722212788
Resilience centers in Judea and Samaria:
Gush Etzion - 058-3989550/02-9939378, Boaz Street 1, Efrat
Binyamin - 02-5848600
Binyamin Gate in the Gvanim center
Samaria - 055-2779285/09-79403 Rehavam Ze'evi Street, Karnei Shomron mall
Judea - 02-9969560/055-9534177
Kiryat Arba municipality
Health maintenance organization hotlines:
Clalit 03-7472010
Maccabi *3555
Leumit 1700507507
*507
Meuhedet *3833
A psychological support and assistance hotline for Clalit has been opened at 03-7472010.
Please note: The resilience centers in the north are preparing to open; the ministry will update contact methods.
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National Insurance Institute:
The National Insurance Institute announced that it approves assistance for anxiety victims provided by psychologists and social workers specializing in trauma treatment.
The treatments, also available via online sessions (Zoom), aim to allow people to stay in safe spaces or nearby due to the sensitive security situation.
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The "One Soul" support center of the Rehabilitation Department in the Defense Ministry is operating at an enhanced level.
The Rehabilitation Department in the Defense Ministry invites IDF disabled veterans and their families, who are dealing with post-trauma, and discharged soldiers who feel emotional distress due to the security events, to contact the psychological support and assistance line "One Soul" at *8944. Professionals operate the support line for you, around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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The Education Ministry
The Education Ministry is opening a dedicated situation room and establishing an emotional support hotline for students, parents, and educational personnel at 12:00 on Saturday. Additionally, the ministry is setting up an emotional support hotline staffed by professional psychologists and counselors who will be available to students, parents, and educational staff.
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Television services:
Due to the security situation: Yes television company announced it offers a variety of channels to its customers.
The channels will automatically be available to customers without the need to contact customer service and can be viewed anywhere, also via the +yes app for mobile and tablet.
Due to the security situation and to alleviate the need to stay indoors, the company offers that all channels will be opened in the coming hours automatically for customers without the need to contact customer service and can be viewed anywhere, also via the +yes app for mobile and tablet.
Judicial reform protests cancelled amid security situation
"In times like these, there is no opposition and coalition in Israel," opposition leaders said in a statement.
Due to the terror escalation, the Kaplan Force announced the cancellation of the judicial reform demonstration planned on Saturday evening in Tel Aviv.
"We stand by the IDF and the security forces carrying out their duties during this difficult time and hope for the restoration of calm and security," the force said.
Brothers in Arms and Forum 555 also called on their followers to support the IDF and fight for Israel's security.
"We call on everyone who is required to stand up for the defense of Israel to do so without hesitation and immediately," Brothers in Arms said in a statement. "Right now, the most important thing is the security of the country."
Opposition stands behind IDF
In addition to the cancellation of the protests, the opposition has expressed support for the operation. In a joint statement by former prime minister and opposition leader Yair Lapid, National Unity Chairman Benny Gantz, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party Avigdor Liberman and Labor leader Merav Michaeli, they said "we offer full support to the IDF and the security establishment."
"We are all united in the face of terrorism, and we must strike it with a strong and determined hand," the leaders said. "Hamas and any other terrorist organization that cooperates with it, in the south or elsewhere, must pay a heavy price for this attack. We need to mobilize the international community against terrorism."
Further they added: "In times like these, there is no opposition and coalition in Israel. We will provide full support to the security forces for a harsh and strong response against terrorism and its operatives."
Go to the full article >>A massive unprovoked attack on Israel - analysis
This is an unprecedented attack by Hamas and other terrorists in Gaza the likes of which has not been seen since the group came to power in the Strip.
Terrorists in Gaza launched a massive surprise attack on Israel on the morning of October 7. Sirens sounded throughout southern Israel and rocket fire could be seen as far as Jerusalem.
This is an unprecedented attack by Hamas and other terrorists in Gaza the likes of which has not been seen since the group came to power in the Strip. This is because it combines rocket fire and attacks along the border of Gaza.
The attack began after six in the morning with rocket fire. The IDF said that the “Hamas terrorist organization had begun a massive shooting of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, and terrorists infiltrated into Israeli territory in a number of different locations.”
The IDF also said that “civilians in the southern and central areas are required to stay next to shelters, and in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip, inside shelters. The Chief of the General staff is currently conducting a situational assessment and approves plans for the continuation of the IDF activity.”
Israel has said that “the Hamas terrorist organization is the sovereign in the Gaza Strip and is responsible for this attack. It will face the consequences and responsibility for these events.”
The Minister of Defense approved the draft of reserve soldiers in accordance with the IDF’s requirements.
Israel is in a state of war
How did we get here? In the past conflicts with Gaza often went through stages, with a slow build up of tensions. For instance back in 2008 before Operation Cast Lead there was increasing rocket fire from Gaza.
In many operations it was Israel that dictated the tempo of the conflict, launching strikes in Gaza in 2012 or 2019, with Operations Pillar of Cloud and Black Belt. In 2014 the conflict also began with tensions in the West Bank after the kidnapping and murder of three Israelis. The ten day conflict in 2021 also began with tensions in Jerusalem.
The attacks this morning were unprecedented in their size and their extent. Hamas has tried infiltrations before, but the Gaza border fence and security have generally prevented those attempts.
Hamas has also tried to use rioters as cover for threats. However, even though Hamas had instigated some riots over the last month, there was no evidence that this was a slow drumbeat towards a wider war.
In fact overall the Iranian-backed proxies such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah had been relatively quiet in their over threats and activity in recent days. This was a lull before the storm.
Today the storm has broken. While it remains to be seen how this attack will continue to unfold and what Israel’s overall response will be, it is clear that Hamas and terror groups in Gaza have sought to dictate the tempo of the conflict, attempting to wrest that decision from Israel.
In a sense this could be seen as an attempt by the terrorists to replay the Yom Kippur War, which included a surprise attack on Israel fifty years ago. Unlike the attack in 1973 the terrorists do not have warplanes or a conventional force and Israel is in a much stronger position.
However, Iran backs the terrorists in Gaza and it is possible that the attack could be a curtain raiser for other moves by Iran and its network of terrorist proxies in the region.
Go to the full article >>PM Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to Israeli public on Saturday morning attacks
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to the Israeli public on the recent attacks on Israel on Saturday morning.
"This is not an operation, this is a war," the prime minister said.
"First of all, I instructed to cleanse the settlements of the terrorists who had infiltrated them," he continued. "At the same time, I ordered an extensive reserve mobilization."
"The enemy will pay a price they have never known."
This is a developing story.
Pro-Iran media: ‘Al-Aqsa storm’ involved 5,000 rockets
Iran’s media is closely following the developments and applauding the terrorist attacks from Gaza.
Pro-Iranian media have praised the widespread surprise attack on Israel as a “storm” or “flood” of rockets.
Hamas terror commander Mohammed Deif has called for more attacks and encouraged assaults against Israel to take place from within Israel, according to Al-Mayadeen, which is considered pro-Iran.
Al-Mayadeen as well as Iranian media such as Tasnim News have all detailed the widespread attack. This illustrates the widespread Iranian axis involvement in the wave of rocket fire and attacks on Saturday morning.
Al-Mayadeen said that Deif had announced the “Al Aqsa Storm” operation in response to “the occupation” and Israel’s policies in Jerusalem. He referenced claims that women had been assaulted in Jerusalem.
“In response to the occupation’s orgy in Al-Aqsa Mosque and the dragging of women in its courtyards” the Hamas terror leader said that 5,000 rockets had been fired at Israel, Al-Mayadeen claimed.
Iran applauds rocket attacks
“The anger of Al-Aqsa and our nation is exploding today.” He claimed that the Al-Aqsa mosque had been “desecrated” and Israel had been “warned.”
Go to the full article >>A massive unprovoked attack on Israel - analysis
This is an unprecedented attack by Hamas and other terrorists in Gaza the likes of which has not b
Terrorists in Gaza launched a massive surprise attack on Israel on the morning of October 7. Sirens sounded throughout southern Israel and rocket fire could be seen as far as Jerusalem.
This is an unprecedented attack by Hamas and other terrorists in Gaza the likes of which has not been seen since the group came to power in the Strip. This is because it combines rocket fire and attacks along the border of Gaza.
The attack began after six in the morning with rocket fire. The IDF said that the “Hamas terrorist organization had begun a massive shooting of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, and terrorists infiltrated into Israeli territory in a number of different locations.”
The IDF also said that “civilians in the southern and central areas are required to stay next to shelters, and in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip, inside shelters. The Chief of the General staff is currently conducting a situational assessment and approves plans for the continuation of the IDF activity.”
Israel has said that “the Hamas terrorist organization is the sovereign in the Gaza Strip and is responsible for this attack. It will face the consequences and responsibility for these events.”
The Minister of Defense approved the draft of reserve soldiers in accordance with the IDF’s requirements.
Israel is in a state of war
How did we get here? In the past conflicts with Gaza often went through stages, with a slow build up of tensions. For instance back in 2008 before Operation Cast Lead there was increasing rocket fire from Gaza.
In many operations it was Israel that dictated the tempo of the conflict, launching strikes in Gaza in 2012 or 2019, with Operations Pillar of Cloud and Black Belt. In 2014 the conflict also began with tensions in the West Bank after the kidnapping and murder of three Israelis. The ten day conflict in 2021 also began with tensions in Jerusalem.
The attacks this morning were unprecedented in their size and their extent. Hamas has tried infiltrations before, but the Gaza border fence and security have generally prevented those attempts.
Hamas has also tried to use rioters as cover for threats. However, even though Hamas had instigated some riots over the last month, there was no evidence that this was a slow drumbeat towards a wider war.
In fact, overall, the Iranian-backed proxies such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah had been relatively quiet in their over threats and activity in recent days. This was a lull before the storm.
Today the storm has broken. While it remains to be seen how this attack will continue to unfold and what Israel’s overall response will be, it is clear that Hamas and terror groups in Gaza have sought to dictate the tempo of the conflict, attempting to wrest that decision from Israel.
In a sense this could be seen as an attempt by the terrorists to replay the Yom Kippur War, which included a surprise attack on Israel fifty years ago. Unlike the attack in 1973 the terrorists do not have warplanes or a conventional force and Israel is in a much stronger position.
However, Iran backs the terrorists in Gaza and it is possible that the attack could be a curtain raiser for other moves by Iran and its network of terrorist proxies in the region.
Go to the full article >>Hamas terror commander Deif calls for all out war on Israel
Deif called on Palestinians to attack Israel with whatever weapons they could find.
Hamas terror commander Mohammed Deif called for an all out attack on Israel on Saturday morning in a message that was posted on social media.
He called for widespread attacks to “sweep away the occupation.”
Deif claimed that “we have warned the enemy," before noting that Israel had attacked Muslims and “desecrated al-Aqsa.”
This was a reference to recent incidents in Jerusalem that have occurred during the High Holy Days. Deif called on Arabs and Muslims to carry out attacks on Israel in the West Bank and in Israel.
"Our righteous mujahideen, this is your day to make the enemy understand that his time is over. They attacked and desecrated Al-Aqsa, and we had previously warned them,” he said in the video.
He called for Palestinians to "organize their operations against the settlements and sweep away the occupier,” according to the video posted online at Al-Mayadeen and other sites.
Go to the full article >>