On Saturday, August 20th, over 60 rockets and mortars were fired from Gaza towards Israel.  One man was killed and dozens more were wounded, including a 4 month-old baby.  More than 500,000 residents of Israel were forced into bomb shelters.

This barrage of rockets follows a coordinated attack on Israel that claimed the lives of eight citizens and wounded 30 more.

The names of the casualties have been released (click on their names to read about their lives as Israeli citizens):

• St-Sgt Moshe Naftali, 22
• Chief Warrant Officer Pascal Avrahami,  49-year old father of three
• Flora Gez and her husband Moshe Gez, as well as Flora’s sister Shula Karlinsky and her husband Dov Karlinsky
• Yosef Levy, 57
• Yitzhak Sela, 56

Since Thursday’s attack, over 100 rockets were fired at Israel.  For a timeline of events, click here.

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The Minister of Defense, Ehud Barak, conducted this afternoon (August 20th) a special situation analysis with the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-General Benny Ganz, as well as intelligence and security officers. The Defense Minister received an update of the situation and gave instructions for future activity. Barak said that he views very seriously the horrific attack on Thursday that targeted Israeli civilians on Israeli territory.

Defense Minister Barak stated: “The terrorist attack originated in Gaza, most of the perpetrators were killed and the senior terrorists responsible for the attack were killed shortly after it. Over the last two days, Israel has been hitting back hard at those responsible for the attack in the south, and is acting with efficiency against the launching of Grad missiles and rockets from Gaza in order to protect the citizens of Israel.”

The Defense Minister noted the importance of the peace treaty with Egypt and his appreciation for the reasonableness and responsibility that Egypt has demonstrated. Barak stated: “We regret the deaths of members of the Egyptian security forces during the terror attack on the Israeli-Egyptian border.” The Minister of Defense has ordered an IDF investigation, followed by a joint examination with the Egyptian military, to examine the circumstances of the event. The appropriate conclusions will be reached following the investigation. Defense Minister Barak stated: “The Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty has great importance and much strategic value for the stability of the Middle East.”

UPDATE: Saturday’s rocket barrage from Gaza at Israeli cities in the south has killed at least one individual, injuring 16, including a 4 month old baby.

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Firstly, I would like to express my condolences to the families of the civilians murdered, and to those of the soldiers who fell while responding to today’s terrorist attacks.

I share their pain. I know that their lives will never be the same. I also want to express my hopes for a speedy recovery to those injured in these attacks and are currently undergoing treatment in hospital.

We all witnessed today an attempt to escalate the terrorist war against Israel by launching of attacks from the Sinai. If there is someone who thinks that the State of Israel will let this pass, he is mistaken.

I have set out a principle – when the citizens of Israel are attacked, we respond immediately and with strength.  That principle was implemented today.  Those who gave the order to murder our citizens, while hiding in Gaza, are no longer among the living.

I commend the IDF and the security services who eliminated today in Gaza the senior figures of the organization which carried out the terror attacks in the south. I commend the soldiers, police, and members of the security services who acted swiftly, determinately and bravely against the terrorists, and who thereby prevented an even greater tragedy.

If the terrorist organizations believe that they can attack our citizens and get away with it, they will soon learn how wrong they are. We will exact a price, a very heavy price.

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Just a few hours ago on Thursday afternoon Israeli time, terrorists carried out three coordinated terrorist attacks near the southern Israeli city of Eilat on Thursday. Current reports place the casualties at 7 killed, over 40 injured.

Today’s combined terrorist attacks on Israeli civilian vehicles began several hours ago, around noon local Israel time, when gunfire was opened at an Israeli bus. The bus was traveling from Be’er Sheva to the resort town of Eilat on Highway 12 along the Israel-Egypt border. 14 people were injured as a result and evacuated to nearby hospitals.  Simultaneously, fire was opened on an additional bus and two civilian vehicles, injuring several people.

An explosive device was detonated on IDF soldiers that arrived at the scene a short while afterwards, injuring several of them.

Magen David Adom paramedics were called to the scene and injured persons were transported to Yoseftal Hospital in Eilat.

In addition to mortars being fired from across the Egyptian border at soldiers conducting routine maintenance work on the security fence on the Israel-Egypt border, terrorists also launched an anti-tank missile at a private car. At least 5 civilians were killed in that attack.

All incidents occurred approximately 20 kilometers north of Eilat.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the attacks saying, “The terror attacks are a serious incident, in which Israeli citizens were killed and our sovereignty was breached.” He added that “Israel will react accordingly.” You can find the full English translation of his address here.

IDF forces pursued the terrorists that carried out the attacks and exchanged fire with them.

Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benny Gantz arrived in the area a short time ago.

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yoav (Poly) Mordechai said that the attacks were part of a “grave and complex event” in which civilians and soldiers were injured.

The White House condemned the attack in no uncertain terms, saying in a statement:

“We condemn the brutal terrorist attacks in southern Israel today in the strongest terms.  Our deepest condolences go to the victims, their families and loved ones, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery.  The U.S. and Israel stand united against terror and we hope that those behind this attack will be brought to justice swiftly.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also spoke out against the attacks:

“The United States condemns today’s attacks in southern Israel and all acts of terrorism in the strongest terms. These brutal and cowardly attacks appear to be premeditated acts of terrorism against innocent civilians. Our deepest condolences go out to the victims, their families and loved ones.

This violence only underscores our strong concerns about the security situation in the Sinai Peninsula. Recent commitments by the Egyptian government to address the security situation in the Sinai are important and we urge the Egyptian government to find a lasting resolution.

The United States and Israel are united in the fight against terror. We hope that those involved in the planning of these gruesome attacks will be brought to swift justice. We stand by Israel as our friend, partner, and ally — now and always.”

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South of Lebanon’s Litani River, many villages lay in ruin. Others were deserted, their inhabitants having fled northward to Beirut. Across the border, Israeli civilians emerged from shelters to find their neighborhoods ravaged by thousands of Katyusha rockets. The surrounding forests were scorched. Israeli troops deployed throughout southern Lebanon, poised to deal a decisive blow to Hezbollah, but they did not. At that moment, 8 a.m. on Aug. 14, 2006—five years ago this weekend—the guns of the Second Lebanon War fell silent.

Continue reading over at WSJ.com

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(Communicated by the MFA Spokesman)

Israel expresses its shock at the revolting terror attacks in Oslo, which have taken the lives of innocent victims. Nothing at all can justify such wanton violence, and we condemn this brutal action with the utmost gravity.

We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Norway in this hour of trial, and trust Norwegian authorities to bring to justice those responsible for this heinous crime.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We send our condolences to the bereaved families, and our wishes for prompt recovery to the injured. We remain at the Government of Norway’s disposal for any assistance it may require.

President Shimon Peres sent a special condolence letter to the King of Norway and the Norwegian people.

In the letter the President wrote: “The people of Israel are shocked and share the grief of the people of Norway on the despicable murder of innocent civilians and innocent youth. Our hearts are with the bereaved families who have lost that which is most dear to them. We pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded.”

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PM Netanyahu: Elimination of Osama Bin Laden
(Communicated by the Prime Minister’s Media Adviser)

The State of Israel joins the American people on this historic day in celebrating the elimination of Osama Bin Laden. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulates US President Barack Obama, America’s military and its intelligence services on this great accomplishment.

“This is a resounding victory for justice, freedom and the common values of all democracies that are resolutely fighting shoulder to shoulder against terrorism.”

Dep FM Ayalon congratulates the U.S. on killing Bin Laden
(Communicated by the Bureau of Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Danny Ayalon praised the American administration and its armed forces for killing Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan.

“As someone who was Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. during the formative years of the war on terror, I can testify how hard the administrations in Washington worked to bring Bin Laden and other Al Qaeda leaders to justice,” said Ayalon. “This is a vital psychological tipping point in the war on terror and will send a clear message to terrorists and extremists everywhere that they are not immune.”

“This successful operation proves that sometimes the West needs to take extraordinary measures to defeat terror and provide security for its citizens.”

Dep FM Ayalon is currently visiting the Baltic nations and today will speak and participate at a ceremony at Paneriai where 70,000 Jews were brutally murdered during the Holocaust. “This successful operation sends the important message that terror and evil will find no permanent shelter and will eventually be destroyed, just as the Nazis decades before,” Ayalon said. “The rejoinder to remember and never forget is not about revenge, but about seeking justice. Regardless of time murderers and terrorists will receive the justice they deserve.”

President Shimon Peres on the killing of Osama Bin Laden by the US Armed Forces in Pakistan:

“It is a great piece of news for the free world, it is a great achievement for the security forces of the United States of America, it is a great achievement for the President of the United States, Barack Obama.

This man was a mega-murderer, he killed thousands and thousands of people,  people who were totally innocent.  He would continue to kill, his purpose in life was to kill anyone who doesn’t belong to him.  He tried to murder people and murder nations including the State of Israel. He reached his end.  Terrorists and murderers are so dangerous.  We shouldn’t fall victim to believe that they are immune.  They are weak, they are wrong, they are foolish and we don’t have to stop fighting them – day and night.  Children and women and men can live without any danger of losing their lives because somebody has a crazy idea in his mind.

The world will become a better world without him.  Maybe this is not the end of all terrorism and dangers but an outstanding murderer reached his own justified end.”

DM Barak congratulates US on elimination of Osama Bin Laden
(Communicated by the Defense Minister’s Media Adviser)

Defense Minister Ehud Barak congratulates US President Barack Obama, US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, the Pentagon leadership and the heads of the US Armed Forces over the elimination of terrorist Osama Bin Laden.

“This is an important achievement for the US in the global war against terrorism.  In this operation, the US has shown determination and operational daring. We have again seen that the leading democracies of the world have a common struggle against terrorism, which will be decided by a multi-faceted joint effort that is far from over,” the Defense Minister said.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this evening referred to the anticipated agreement between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas:

“The Palestinian Authority needs to choose between peace with Israel and peace with Hamas.  Peace with both is impossible because Hamas aspires to destroy the State of Israel and says so openly.   It fires missiles at our cities; it fires anti-tank rockets at our children.

I think that the very idea of this reconciliation shows the weakness of the Palestinian Authority and causes one to wonder if Hamas will seize control of Judea and Samaria like it seized control of the Gaza Strip.

I hope that the Palestinian Authority chooses correctly, i.e. that it chooses peace with Israel.  The choice is in its hands.”

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President Shimon Peres held a working meeting yesterday with Ambassadors from countries currently serving in the UN Security Council as well as other countries from the Middle East.  Ambassadors from the following countries attended: Russia, France, Britain, India, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Norway, Finland, Germany, Sweden, Portugal and the Palestinian Observer to the UN.

President Shimon Peres received the news about a rocket striking a bus carrying children in the Shaar Hanegev regional council during the meeting with the Ambassadors. The President, who was discussing the security threats from Gaza immediately updated the Ambassadors and said:  “I was just informed that an Israeli bus carrying schoolchildren home from school was hit with a mortar fired from Gaza.  There are reports of injured.  This is a real life example that Gaza has become a terrorist state.  Can the United Nations guarantee that terror attacks will not happen again?  None of you would give up on the safety and security of your citizens just as Israel will stand in its own defense.”  The President pointed out to the Ambassadors that “hundreds of thousands of mothers and their children in Southern Israel cannot sleep at night as a result of the rocket attacks from Gaza.”

The President also commented on the proliferation of flotillas traveling to Gaza and said: “Behind every flotilla is a provocation and a desire for newspaper headlines.  Whoever wants to help Gaza should insist that Gazans stop firing on Israel.”

Regarding the Iranian situation, President Peres told the Ambassadors:  “Israel is not willing to accept that there is a member in the United Nations, Iran, headed by a President who threatens to destroy another member nation of the UN, Israel.  Why do you permit him to do this while allowing him to continue to be a member?  He appears here and calls for destruction and hate.  There is a double standard when it comes to Iran.”

President Peres continued and referred to the Goldstone Report: “It is the same thing with the Goldstone Report –   Israel conducted an investigation into Cast Lead.  We investigated ourselves – not because we were accused of something but rather because the Israeli army is not just based on guns but values as well.  The investigative committee checked 400 incidents and in three cases there was suspicion of wrong doing.  Those soldiers in those three cases stood trial.  Everyone who fights terror – and it makes no difference if he is American, Russian or French knows how complicated it is.”  He added: “I read that Goldstone expressed regret about the report he wrote. Unfortunately fictions exist longer than denials.”

With respect to Israel’s position in the United Nations President Peres said: “We see ourselves as a responsible member of the UN and we want to be a contributing nation but we don’t want to be a victim in the UN because we are a minority.  We can never benefit from a majority.  The blocs in the UN are based on being anti-Israel and we don’t have an opportunity for justice.  In spite of this we will continue to struggle for our defense and fight for peace.  Today, the top priority is the desire to achieve a responsible peace with the Palestinians so that that can achieve independence and we can have security.  If you want to help the Middle East, put an end to conflict as soon as possible.”

Later this morning, Friday, April 8, President Peres plans to meet the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon.   The President will discuss in detail the Goldstone Report, the apologetic op-ed of Judge Goldstone, and the President’s demand to retract and repudiate the report.  The two will also discuss the situation in Gaza, weapons smuggling in the region, and ways to advance the peace process between Israel and its neighbors.

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On Thursday, Hamas launched an anti-tank missile at a school bus in Israel, injuring two including a child who remains in critical condition. Thankfully, the bus was not carrying any more children, though the terrorist organization that controls the Gaza Strip could not have known that when it targeted innocent civilians.

The 16-year-old boy was airlifted to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, where he is currently being treated for severe trauma. The driver was lightly wounded. The teenager had been visiting his grandmother for a few days, and went for a ride with the bus driver, who is a friend of the family.

President Shimon Peres said in response to the attacks that “This is another incident which proves the Gaza Strip has turned into a terrorist zone. No one would give up the safety of his country’s citizens and Israel stands firm on the right to defend itself.  Hundreds of thousands of mothers and children in southern Israel cannot sleep at night as a result of rocket-fire from the Gaza Strip.”The IDF reports that 45 rockets and mortars were fired at the Israeli home front from the Gaza Strip within three hours on Thursday afternoon.

Just a few hours later, Israel’s state-of-the-art anti-missile defense system, “Iron Dome,” marked its first successful run when it shot down two missiles which were on their way to the Israeli city of Ashkelon. This marks the first time in history anyone has been able to shoot down short-ranged missiles. In layman’s terms, this is basically shooting a bullet with another bullet, with everything from range, trajectory, wind and speeds being calculated in just a few seconds.

Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that “‘Iron Dome’ intercepted two projectiles successfully” while meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas in Prague.

The “Iron Dome” system is still in an evaluation period, but it was deployed for combat following the recent increase in terror attacks by Hamas.

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