(Communicated by the IDF Spokesperson)
The Hamas terror organization orchestrates hostile activity along the security fence with Israel which includes arson terror, launching rockets at Israeli territory and violent riots. During these violent riots, along with other severe acts of terror that were aimed at IDF troops and security infrastructure, an IDF soldier, Staff Sgt. Aviv Levi of the Givati Brigade, was killed in a shooting attack today (Friday, 20 July 2018).
In response, over the past hours, the IDF operated against Hamas’ military targets. Following eight targets that were struck immediately by IDF tanks and aircraft, IDF fighter jets targeted 60 additional military targets.
The center of the strike was the demolition of three Hamas' battalion compounds- The Zaytun battalion in the northern Gaza Strip, the Khan Yunis battalion in the southern Gaza Strip and the Bureij battalion in the central Gaza Strip.
The strikes eliminated about 60 buildings and infrastructures and revoked significant military and command and control capabilities. The attack delivered a severe blow to the Hamas's training array, command and control abilities, weaponry, aerial defense and logistic capabilities along with additional military infrastructure.
Among the targets hit by the IDF were weapons manufacturing sites, a shaft to a tunnel network, a factory used for underground infrastructure manufacturing, a UAV warehouse, military operations room, training facilities, observation posts and additional military targets.
The strikes are an example of the IDF's intelligence and operational capabilities. The stages will intensify as necessary.
The Hamas terror organization continues to lead militant efforts against Israeli civilians and security infrastructure that protects them, violates Israeli sovereignty and endangers the lives of Israeli civilians and security forces. Perpetrated under the guise of civilians, Hamas' terror activities endanger Gazan residents and damages the humanitarian efforts that Israel allows.
The IDF views these offensive acts with great severity, and holds Hamas accountable for all threats emanating from the Gaza Strip. The IDF is prepared for a wide variety of scenarios and is determined to fulfill its mission to protect and ensure the safety of Israeli civilians.