TEL AVIV — Rocket sirens were sounded in Tel Aviv and peripheral neighborhoods and an explosion was heard by residents in the Tel Aviv area.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip toward Israel, triggering rocket sirens throughout central Israel.
Initial reports claimed that Israel’s Iron Dome system intercepted one of the rockets but the IDF later said in a statement that no interceptions were made. The IDF usually does not fire Iron Dome batteries if a rocket is calculated by army systems to land in the sea.
“Two rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory. The alert and warning systems operated as required,” the IDF said. “No interceptions were made by aerial defense systems. No damage or injuries were reported. There are no special instructions for the civilian home front.”
According to reports, a number of Israelis were treated for shock.
Israeli news media reported on rocket sirens blasting across Tel Aviv as well as the satellite cities of Ramat Gan, Givatayim, Bat Yam, Holon, Azor and Rishon Letzion.
Residents reported hearing a loud explosion.
This reporter, based on the northern Tel Aviv coastline, heard one large blast following the rocket siren.
The developments mark the first time Gazan terrorists fired rockets at Tel Aviv since the 2014 Israel-Gaza War.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces reelection in polls scheduled for less than one month from today, reportedly held security consultations in the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv.
Netanyahu’s main rival, former IDF chief of staff Benny Gantz, demanded “a significant and severe response” to the rocket fire “otherwise it will be impossible to renew our deterrence.”
Aaron Klein is Breitbart’s Jerusalem bureau chief and senior investigative reporter. He is a New York Times bestselling author and hosts the popular weekend talk radio program, “Aaron Klein Investigative Radio.” Follow him on Twitter @AaronKleinShow. Follow him on Facebook.
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