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Israel: 'We Tried to De-Escalate. Now We're Acting'

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JERUSALEM, Israel -- Israel targeted more of the terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip overnight as it continued efforts to stop the rocket fire by Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. But some Hamas rockets reached major Israeli cities, putting most of Israel's population within range.

Israelis in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem ran for shelter as sirens warned of incoming rockets from Gaza.

Terrorists launched a salvo of 45 rockets at major Israeli cities, reaching as far as the coastal town of Hadera, north of Tel Aviv. That's about 70 miles from Gaza, farther north than ever before.

The missile was the same kind that Israel intercepted earlier this year on a shipment from Iran to the Gaza Strip. Seventeen of the missiles fired overnight were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile defense batteries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said no other country would endure such a barrage of rockets.

"In recent days, Hamas terrorists have fired hundreds of rockets at Israel's civilians No other country lives under such a threat, and no country would accept such a threat," Netanyahu said. "Israel will not tolerate the firing of rockets on our cities and towns. We have therefore significantly expanded our operations against Hamas and the other terrorist organizations in Gaza." 

"Hamas will pay a heavy price for firing toward Israeli citizens," the prime minister warned. "The security of Israel's citizens comes first. The operation will expand and continue until the fire toward our towns stops and quiet returns." 

Israel says it tried to negotiate a ceasefire.

"We tried to de-escalate. Messages were sent. We told Hamas to stop this rocket fire but they continued and now we are acting," Netanyahu continued. "The IDF [Israel Defense Forces] is acting to bring about a situation where the people of Israel no longer have to live in fear."

Meanwhile, the government authorized the IDF to call up as many as 40,000 reserve soldiers if needed. A smaller number has already been called up as Israel mulls a ground invasion into Gaza.

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About The Author

Chris Mitchell
Chris
Mitchell

In a time where the world's attention is riveted on events in the Middle East, CBN viewers have come to appreciate Chris Mitchell's timely reports from this explosive region of the world. Chris brings a Biblical and prophetic perspective to these daily news events that shape our world. He first began reporting on the Middle East in the mid-1990s. Chris repeatedly traveled there to report on the religious and political issues facing Israel and the surrounding Arab states. One of his more significant reports focused on the emigration of persecuted Christians from the Middle East. In the past