Israel Under Attack

Israel Under Attack

#IsraelUnderAttack
SHARE THE FACTS
July 2014

Misinformation about Israel is widespread, fanning deep-seated bigotry and hatred. It’s important for each of us to counter false messages and disseminate the facts about the situation in Israel.

• During the past few days, over 420 missiles, rockets and mortars fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza have hit a number of Israeli cities and towns, including Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem, Be’er Sheva, Ashkelon, and even as far north as Haifa, a distance of over 85 miles from Gaza. There were reports of injuries, some quite serious, from rocket explosions, as well as damage to homes and other structures.
• Nearly half of Israel’s civilian population – Jews, Muslims, Christians and others – are now directly threatened by missiles from Gaza. The Iron Dome missile defense system has intercepted over 120 additional projectiles, including missiles fired at Ben Gurion International Airport.
• In response, on July 7, Israel launched a military operation, codenamed "Operation Protective Edge," targeting Hamas and other terrorist leaders. Thus far, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has targeted over 1000 terrorist targets in Gaza, which, according to the IDF, include: “long-range rocket launchers, Hamas leadership facilities, terror and smuggling tunnels, fuel-smuggling tunnels, compounds and training sites, communications facilities, air defense elements, concealed launchers, and additional sites used for terror activities targeting Israel, including command and control centers.” The Israeli government has also authorized the calling-up of 40,000 IDF reserve soldiers, and is reportedly considering a ground operation if needed.
• Israel has shown the utmost restraint in dealing with Hamas's blatant hostility and tried to stop the attacks through a variety of measures. Israel has a right and a responsibility to protect its civilians from attack.
• The ongoing attacks from Hamas-controlled Gaza have made absolutely clear the absurdity of the international community’s embrace and support of the unity agreement between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. The time is now for the United States and other countries to pull their support of that agreement.

Read more about the situation in Israel.