IDF Spokesperson Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich: We started the operation yesterday with two goals – one, to defend Israeli civilians, and the second, to cripple the abilities of terrorists in order to minimize their rocket fire. Right now, we’ve targeted over 300 targets, many of them underground launching pads, including Fajr-5 rocket depots – an Iranian-made and -manufactured missile. The Fajr-5 has a range that’s over 50 km and can reach the Tel-Aviv area. It causes great damage.
Since the beginning of the operation, over 300 rockets hit Israel. Since the beginning of 2012 alone, we’re talking over 1,000 rockets. Many of the firing efforts were drawn to populated areas in Israel – cities like Ashdod, Ashkelon, Be’er Sheva, each with a population of approximately 200,000 people.
The Iron Dome system has been very efficient so far, with over 130 interceptions over the relevant areas. Despite the barrage of rocket fire, we facilitated the transfer of 14 Palestinians from Gaza who wished to be hospitalized in Israel. This is something we do on a daily basis, but I want to stress this, because it happened despite the intensive rocket fire.
Quite a few sirens sounded in Israel today. A few hours ago, at approximately 8:00 PM (1 PM Eastern) a siren sounded in Tel-Aviv, but no rockets hit the area. Hamas continues to try and target Israeli civilians. The government has authorized to recruit reservists, though currently we haven’t yet. It’s an option, though. Any questions?
The Jewish Press: Can you comment on reports that Israeli Navy vessels targeted a house in Gaza?
A: I’m not familiar with these reports.
Q: Any updates on the situation at the Golan Heights, that Syrian rebels are amassing on the border?
A: Everything happening with Syria is marginal right now. Earlier today there was an incident with a stray bullet fired by the rebels. We don’t look at it as anything more than a stray bullet. Those are internal Syrian issues.
Q: Where did the rocket hit, if not Tel Aviv?
A: The rocket didn’t land in Tel Aviv.
Q: Where?
A: The launch didn’t reach its destined area. I can’t disclose anything further.
Q: Who were the 14 Palestinians whom you let into Israel?
A: These aren’t wounded soldiers, they’re chronically sick people, they enter Israel on a daily basis and get hospital treatment here.
Q: What type of rocket hit Rishon Lezion?
A: A rocket landed in an open area a couple of hours ago. This is all I can say.
Q: Can you tell us more about Iran? How are they directly involved – orders, weapons?
A: Iran is definitely a strong factor here. Hamas is the proxy of Iran. The Fajr-5 was produced and manufactured by Iran. Not only Hamas, but also Islamic Jihad terrorists use it. There are many channels open between Hamas and Iran, and that’s a big part of the aggression with Israel right now.
Q: What risk is there with Hezbollah? What will you do if Hezbollah will open a new front?
A: There’s no Hezbollah involvement in this operation at present. We raised the alert levels on the borders when we started the operation, as a precautionary measure. Currently there’s no indication of activity at the other borders, but we’re ready there as well, just to be safe.
The Jewish Press: Considering your intensive campaign on terror targets, how do you explain the fact that Hamas is still able to shoot?
A: Well, we started the operation only 24 hours ago. It takes time. When you’re Hamas and you have 400 tunnels and a well-oiled smuggling industry, it takes time to wipe out all your targets.
Q: Is the operation drawing to a close?
A: We’re continuing with the operation, currently there’s no change, but we’re taking it one day at a time. The political echelon isn’t planning to stop it at present, but ultimately it’s not a military decision, rather a political one.
Q: So when’s the foreseeable end? How would you define success for this operation?
A: When the rockets will drop to a minimum and the population in southern Israel will be able to live peacefully, quietly, and the immediate threat will be diminished.