Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Rockets intercepted in southern Israel September 10 /update 72

Event

Two rockets were reportedly fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip on Tuesday evening (local time), September 10. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), both projectiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system over southern Israel. Rocket sirens sounded in Ashkelon and Ashdod; no casualties or damages were immediately reported.

The rocket fire was notably preceded by a press conference held by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which he vowed to annex the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea if re-elected to the premiership on Tuesday, September 17.

Additional Palestinian rocket launches targeting Israel are possible over the coming hours and days, as well as retaliatory Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.

Context

In general, rocket fire and strikes between Israel and the Gaza Strip have intensified since early December 2017. Hundreds of rockets and mortars have been fired from the Gaza Strip, often followed by retaliatory Israeli airstrikes.

Advice

Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Seek immediate shelter in the event of a rocket attack.

Some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.