Rockets Launched Against Israel Following Second Mosque Raid

Rockets launched from Gaza against Israel

Rockets launched from Gaza and Lebanon have descended on Israel following a second police raid on Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque in as many nights.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the largest salvo of rockets since the 2006 conflict had been fired into northern Israel from Lebanese territory. The majority of the 34 projectiles were intercepted, but two minor injuries and a fire occurred.

Later on Thursday, Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, vowed retaliation. Before a meeting with the security cabinet, he stated, “As for the aggression aimed at us from other fronts – we will hit our enemies and they will pay a price for every act of aggression,”

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the launches occurred just hours after the Iran-backed Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah stated that it would support “all measures” taken by Palestinians to defend the holy al-Aqsa compound.

The Israeli army, however, blamed Palestinian organizations. Richard Hecht, a lieutenant colonel and spokesman for the army, told reporters, “We know for sure it’s Palestinian fire,” “It might be Hamas or the Islamic Jihad. We are still finalizing, but Hezbollah was not involved.”

“We presume that Hezbollah was aware, and Lebanon also bears responsibility. We are also investigating Iran’s possible involvement “He proceeded.