7:47 PM Sirens: Bnei Shimon and Har Hebron 7:46 PM Sirens: Be'er Sheva 7:45 PM Magen David Adom has raised the level of preparedness in the Central Region (Tel Aviv area) to the highest level possible. 7:43 PM More rockets fired at Eshkol region. 7:40 PM Reports that one rocket landed in Bat Yam. 7:36 PM Cellular networks in […]
The missile has not yet been discovered and there's no known damage.
For the first time since the Gulf War, a rocket sirens were heard in Tel Aviv.
6:08 PM Tel Aviv mayor, Ron Huldai announces that Tel Aviv is opening its cultural centers to residents of the South, free of charge, including the Camari Theatre, HaBima, Beit Lessin, and many others. After Rishon L'Tzion, looks like they might need to open their bomb shelters too, in the near future.
6:05 PM Official Statement from the Rishon Municipality: We request from the public to adhere to the directives of the IDF Homefront Command. When hearing a siren, enter the nearest secure area; bomb shelter or room with the least amount of external walls, windows and doors. It is forbidden to leave the safe area till 10 minutes […]
4:45 PM Rocket falls in S'derot. Unconfirmed report of rocket landing in Rishon. UPDATE: Sirens in S'derot were false. But reports of rocket landing in Ashdod. 4:42 PM Sirens heard in Rishon L'Tzion which is much closer to the Dan Region. No report of rockets. 4:37 PM More rockets fired over Sderot as air ride sirens sound once […]
1:37 PM Channel 2 Israel TV: Hamas holding 43 diplomats hostage, and not allowing them to leave the Gaza strip. The diplomats are being held by Hamas at the Erez crossing.
Photos are coming in from Australia and around the world, including the US, Canada and Israel.
Video of IDF taking out underground rockets in Gaza
The IDF has dispersed warning leaflets above several locations in the Gaza Strip. This video is from Thursday, November 15, over Khan Yunis.
The Ma'an News Agency reported that Canada's Foreign Minister John Baird said Wednesday that his country backs Israel's right to defend its citizens from air assaults by Hamas.
12:47 PM Alert: Ramat Hanegev, Sdot Hanegev 12:45 PM Netivot 12:45 PM Alerts in Be'er Sheva and Rahat 12:35 PM Alerts Omer, Lachish, Bnei Shimon, Har Hevron! 12:35 PM Multiple rockets shot at Sderot and taken out by Iron Dome anti missile system. No injuries. 12:28 PM Air raid sirens sounding in Ashkelon Beach region. 12:19 PM Rockets […]
Residents of southern Israel who need information on the availability of their regular daycare services, employee rights and responsibilities associated with the security situation, and essential worker schedules are encouraged to call a hotline established by the Ministry of Employment. Dial 1-800-201-180.
Channel 10 news reports that of the 70 Israelis injured in rocket attacks since the launch of Operation Pillar of Defense on Wednesday, 16 suffered physical injuries and were admitted to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, including a four year with moderate injuries. Twelve people suffering physical injuries were sent to Soroka Medical Center in […]
As massive as the fighting is, the count of dead on the Palestinian Arab side has three, perhaps two, civilians. Let's hope the effectiveness of the Israeli fighters continues at that exemplary level.
The Israel Zionist Council has organized a day of fun for children from Israel's south. According to a report by Israel National News, 25 buses containing 1,200 children will be in Jerusalem for a day of rest, including a visit to the Biblical Zoo.
As reported by Ynet: Road 34, Road 232, Road 25 and Road 241 are closed due to fighting and concern for public safety in the event of rocket attacks. Traffic control police are directing drivers at the region.
Though IDF Spokesman Yoav Mordechai says the call-up is limited and primarily focused on Home Front Command units, Israel’s military has begun calling up army reservists across the country, in preparation for a possible ground incursion into Gaza as part of Operation “Amud Anan” – Pillar of Defense.
Marwan Issa has been named the new commander of Hamas's military wing.
An IDF soldier on the Golan Heights was lightly injured by shrapnel from a stray mortar that shot from Syria as part of their civil war. An IDF soldier on the Golan Heights was lightly injured by a stray bullet that shot from Syria as part of their civil war.
By Steve
11:20 AM The funeral for Hamas terrorist Ahmed Jabari has begun in Gaza.
A fourth Israeli died that had been injured in the strike on the Kiryat Malachi apartment.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday made the following statement:
Hamas claimed that they launched 2 Fajr (long-range) rockets at Tel Aviv at 9:30AM. Israel Channel 2 says that it is now believed that recently intercepted rockets over Ashdod were of the long-range variety.
Lachish Region Police Chief, Commander Alon Levavi, was at the scene in Kiryat Malachi and was adamant in his statement: "If the public had followed the instructions in this case (referring to the three killed and six injured from 2 Grad hits), we probably could have reported fewer casualties." Internal security Minister Yizhak Aharonovitch said: […]
9:31 AM Eulogies for Ahmed Jabari have begun in Gaza. At 11:30 AM they will be taking what's left of the terrorist's body to burial Note to IDF: 11:30 might be a good time to kill a lot of terrorists in one shot.
9:29 AM Rockets landing in Ashdod. Sirens sounding throughout the city.
9:08 AM 2 women, 1 man killed in Kiryat Melachi strike. Baby moderately wounded. Dozens being treated for shell shock. 9:05 AM In the past 5 minutes, 4 barrages of rocket attacks on Ashdod. House in Kiryat Gat hit. No injuries reported. IDF expresses concern that as the day goes by, rocket attacks will intensify.
A tanker truck carrying potasium bromide was hit by a rocket. No reports of injuries
8:52 AM There are 3 confirmed dead in the rocket strike in Kiryat Melachi, and a baby is injured, in moderate condition. The rocket hit the 4th story of an apartment building. IDF reporter is under rocket fire in Kiryat Melchi, as she is reporting live from the scene Rockets falling in Kiryat Melachi […]
Three dead in Kiryat Malachi, 30 injured. In Ashdod two are lightly injured from a Grad rocket.
8:40 AM In the past 20 minutes, 30-40 rockets fired from Gaza. There was a direct hit on a house in Kiryat Melachi. Reports of critically wounded woman. 2 injured. People trapped. MDA and police responding. Sirens in Be'er Sheva 8:01 AM Muslim Bros call for global "Day of Rage" against IDF "aggression" 8:00 […]
YNET reports that Prime Minister Netanyahu has spoken with US President Obama and updated him on the IDF operation in Gaza, and thanked him for the USA support for Israel to defend itself.
Palestinian Authority begs the UN to force Israel to stop the"aggression" against the Palestinian people.
Unconfirmed reports from Arab media: Syria has attacked Israeli bases in Golan in retaliation to the aggression on Gaza. Unconfirmed. Investigating... Update: As this report from the Arab media cannot be confirmed at this time, we are assuming it's false.
The cabinet officially gave the IDF open-ended permission to call up reserve soldiers to fight against Gaza.
IDF Radio confirms that Israeli Embassy staff in Egypt are returning home due to security concerns. It's not known if Israel's ambassador will be returning in the near future.
IDF Radio reports that 70 rockets were fire at Israel from Gaza today. 25 were successfully intercepted. One woman was injured y shrapnel in Be'er Sheva.
Conflicting reports on IDF radio. Egyptian sources claim entire Israeli diplomatic staff returning home to Israel. Reuters says that the embassy staff are remaining and the embassy remains open as usual.
IDF announces that not only did they destroy most of the long-range Fajr missiles, but also Hamas's unmanned military drone program. (GLZ 23:41) Hamas didn't even know that Israel knew all about it.
Arab and Leftwing Students from Hebrew University in Jerusalem will be demonstrating for solidarity with Hamas tomorrow at 12:00 PM at the Mount Scopus campus.
The Resolution was introduced by Sabreen Shalabi, and seconded by Shadi Jafari, with support from Ali Abunimeh and Noam Chomsky.
IDF Naval Warships firing at terrorist positions in Gaza.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak made the following statement at a press conference earlier this evening (Wednesday, 14 November 2012), at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv:
As of 10:44 PM, a total of 55 rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza. 10:55 PM Ashkelon hit by rocket in attack from 10:51. No known injuries. 10:53 PM 2 Rockets land in Beer Sheva. No known injuries or damage.
Israel's ambassador to Egypt left Egypt suddenly, with no explanation.
Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Warren issued a statement on behalf of the United States backing Israel's decision to conduct targeted attacks against sources of terror against civilians in the south of the country.
Al-Ahram newspaper online reports:
A Twitter account which alleges itself to be the "The official web site of Al Qassam Brigades in Palestine" is simul-tweeting its military responses to Israel's Operation Pillar of Defense ("Amud Anan") for its almost 4,000 followers.
Britain's Foreign Office issued a statement following the targeted killing of Hamas terror chief Ahmad Jabari:
Barzilai hospital moving all patients to protected area.
Channel 1 reports that missiles shot at Dimona. Missile landed north of Dimona. Girl injured from shrapnel.
Since this morning, throughout Judea and Samaria, there have been demonstrations and violent marches of thousands of Arabs, to mark the so called "Palestinian Independence Day."
Egyptian military sources confirmed on Wednesday that missiles were launched from the northern Sinai town of Rafah at the Israeli kibbutz Kerem Shalom, Egypt Independent reported. Israel and Egypt will be forming a joint military committee at Israel's request to examine the circumstances surrounding the missile launch, the sources said. Israel's Channel 10 reported that […]
Amid rumors that Egypt is planning to send home the Israeli ambassador to Cairo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Amr issued a statement Wednesday evening, condemning the Israeli air strikes in Gaza and demanding the strikes to end immediately, according to Al Ahram. This has been the first official Egyptian response to the assassination of […]
The Ma'an news agency, which is a fairly reliable source of news about both the Gaza Strip and the PA, has lost its server for the time being. The site offers an apology to its many readers and promises to come back soon.
Ma'ariv reports that the Hadash Movement is planning to to hold a demonstration tomorrow opposite Likud headquarters in Tel Aviv against the IDF operation in Gaza. MK Muhammed Berachah, the Chairman of Hadash, reportedly said "Netanyahu is creating another round in the cycle of blood for the sake of Zionist political interests."
At least 10 rockets were fired at Be'er Sheva in the Negev this evening. Several sirens were sounded in the city Throngs of Israeli student pack the Be'er Sheva train station, due to the closing of Ben Gurion University. To accommodate the masses of students, Israel Rail Road is sending extra long trains to evacuate the students […]
Background information on Ahmed al Jaabari, who was recently taken out by the IDF and the General Security Service (the "shaback"). Al Jaabari served 13 years in Israeli prison for his role in 1982 terror attack until he was released in 1995 (Ma'an) He gained prominence among Palestinians for his role in the attack of the IDF […]
Reuters is reporting that the New Israeli Shekel has hit a two-month low in the wake of Israel's assassination of Hamas Military chief Ahmad al-Jaabari. A dealer from Israel Discount Bank, Dan Biro, told Reuters that the drop was more than had been expected.
Palestinian terrorist group, The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) has responded to the assassination of Hamas no. 2 Ahmad al-Jaabari, verbally at least, Palestinian news website, Ma'an reported. "With this assassination, Israel has opened the gates of hell," PRC spokesman Abu Mujahid told Ma'an. "Cowardly settlers had better flee to shelters where we will bury them and they will […]
The IDF and Shabak are working closely together along with the Artillery units to take out individual Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Sort of like swatting a fly with a cannon. The operation is ongoing.
Throngs of Israeli student pack the Be'er Sheva train station, due to the closing of Ben Gurion University. To accommodate the masses of students, Israel Rail Road is sending extra long trains to evacuate the students looking to escape northward.
Israel has achieved a major success by taking out Hamas's Fajr-5 rocket capabilities which could have hit Tel Aviv. IDF is reporting that Hamas wanted to prove their capabilities due to Israel's strike on Jabari, but are now almost completely powerless to hit anything further than 40KM from Gaza.
Bibi meeting with Cabinet and Defense officials in Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv. IAF continuing strikes, explosions heard throughout Gaza. Secondary explosions from munition bunkers also heard.
Egyptian Foreign Ministry demands that Israel immediately stop attacking Gaza, and warned Israel against the consequences of not stopping.
Palestinians report that the IAF took out 2 more terrorists in Beit Lahia that were about to launch a rocket at Israel.
Above is a photo from the airstrikes on Gaza at around 4:30 PM Wednesday.
By Steve
Meretz MK Zahava Galon says killing Jabri was not worthwhile and that Israel should negotiate immediately to stop the violence. Chadash MK Dov Hanin asked, "When will they learn that after each assassination there will be revenge." Israeli leftists and Arabs decry defensive IDF operation on Gaza, calling for demonstration tonight in front Likud Tel-Aviv HQ.
Reports that the Moslem Brotherhood in Egypt is called for Egpyitan President Muhammed Morsi to sever all ties with Israel as a result of the Israeli operation against Gazan terror. Morsi's office to hold press conference within the hour. (Ehud Yaari, Channel 2 TV)
Update from Magen David Adom: MDA has gone to level 3 (highest level of prepardeness) in Israel's South, and the rest of the country has gone to MDA level 2...
IDF "Tzav 8" emergency call up orders for reservists are currently for Homefront Command soldiers (to help with incoming missile threats) and not for additional combat battalions. IDF ground troops preparing.
Home Front Command has issued defense guidelines to residents of the South. In communities between 0 and 4 miles from the Gaza Strip border: upon hearing sirens or an explosion, you must get into a protected space within the available period of time. Schools will be closed tomorrow. There is a temporary prohibition on public […]
Homefront Command Cancels School for all municipalities within a 40 kilometer radius of Gaza.
In the coming hours, the smoke will continue to rise above Gaza.
5:34 PM, Israel Time: The IDF carried out an extensive attack damaging to the long-range launch capabilities (over 25 miles) of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The attack caused significant damage to underground launch systems and weapons and ammunition storehouses belonging to terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip. The purpose of the attack is to disrupt the […]
Update, 5:34 PM, Israel Time: The IDF carried out an extensive attack damaging to the long-range launch capabilities (over 25 miles) of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The attack caused significant damage to underground launch systems and weapons and ammunition storehouses belonging to terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip. The purpose of the attack is to disrupt […]
Israel just eliminated one of the top five military generals in Hamas, Ra'ad Ater. The IDF also announced the beginning of Operation "Amud Anan" (Pillar of Cloud) in Gaza.
Chairman of the Knesset State Comptroller’s Committee MK Uri Ariel welcomes the new Bayit Yehudi list for Knesset: “I congratulate the contenders and those who were chosen in the Bayit Yehudi party. Now we are geared toward unifying the ranks and returning the National Orthodox camp to its historic influential position on the political map. […]
By Ron Kampeas
WASHINGTON – The Republican Party as a whole is reconsidering how it might have done better in an election that saw the party fail to win the White House and suffer modest losses in Congress, and Jewish Republicans and conservatives are coming forward with their own insights.
The Shabak (Israel's General Secret Service) just announced that Ahmed Jabari, the second in command of the Hamas military, was killed today by the IDF in a surgical strike.
All but Smoliansky are allies of Naftali Bennett who trounced MK Zvulon Orlev to become the new chairman of the party last week.
JewishPress.com received an eye witness account of a Grad missile that landed in Naveh, a mere 100 meters from the Otzem (Atzmona) Premilitary Academy. Shocked yeshiva students had just finished lunch and were outside when the rocket slammed down in front of them, with shrapnel landing a mere few yards away from where they were […]
Arabs and foreign anarchists have had a busy day on Wednesday, blocking main roads and running protests. In Gush Etzion, army and police are expecting a number of attempts to close down the main highways, and have prepared for that possibility. Local residents have been warned of possible delays caused by these provocateurs.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will soon issue a report showing that Iranian nuclear centrifuges are dramatically increasing their production, according to a report by the AFP.
If the UN accepts Palestine as a nonmember state, effectively recognizing its bid to become a state, Israel may cancel all or part of the Oslo accords according to reports, and may even go as far as working to oust Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas from his position.
As residents of areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy struggle to pick up the pieces, Americans and their Israeli loved ones thousands of miles away from the aftermath are getting free emotional and psychological support to cope with the disaster thanks to experts at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center.
Syrian rebel soldiers calling themselves “Eagles of the Golan” have taken over Beerajam and Bariqa in Southern Syria, in an area which serves as a demilitarized zone between Israel and the country to the north.
Dr. Roland Masse, a teacher of radiopathology at Percy Military Training Hospital, where PLO chairman Yasser Arafat was hospitalized before his death on November 11, 2004, has given the first interview related to Arafat’s death in eight years, telling The Times of Israel that there is “absolutely no way” the blood libel blaming Israel for poisoning the leader is true.
Caesarea Golf Club will host the 3rd Annual Ezer Mizion Golf Classic tournament on Wednesday, November 21. The popular event, which is due to attract serious golfers and philanthropists from the United States, Canada and Israel, will raise funds for Ezer Mizion's Bone Marrow Donor Registry, the global Jewish bone marrow donor registry. Ezer Mizion, […]
On Tuesday night, around 100 English speaking Likud members and supporters got to hear MK Tzipi Hotoveli, MK Gila Gamliel and Jerusalem City Council member Yair Gabai address some of the major issues of the day, in English. The event, which was held at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem, and lasted over two hours, was […]
Two months ago the Likud announced two major victories, yet since then, neither has made it over the finish line.
The National Union (HaIchud HaLeumi)’s reaction to Eldad and Ben-Ari’s announcement: “The Israeli political left-wing is elated at the news that our partners are splitting away and setting up a new party, because it means that tens of thousands of right-wing votes will be wasted, and that we have returned to the type of politics […]