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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