A State of War.
Two items, one subject.
1. A barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel this morning, amidst which Ofir Liebstein, Head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, was killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists. Liebstein was killed when he went to defend the settlement during the terrorist attack. Deputy head of the council, Yossi Keren is currently filling his place. Sirens were heard as far as Jerusalem multiple times beginning at 8:15 a.m. Further sirens were heard at 10:15. At least one rocket directly hit a building in the Gederot Regional Council, killing a woman in her 60s, according to Magen David Adom. "The Hamas [terrorist organization] has made a grave mistake this morning and launched a war against the State of Israel. IDF troops are fighting against the enemy at every location," said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant following a situation assessment. The State of Israel will win this war.” The IDF declared that it was "ready for war" after widespread rocket fire was shot into Israeli territory from Gaza, and terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory through various entry points. (Source: jpost.com)
2. Prime Minister Benjamin Netnayhua issued a statement Saturday morning, commenting on the surprise attack by the Hamas on Israel. "Israel is at War. This is not a so-called military operation, not another round of fighting, but war," he said. "I have discussed with the heads of Israel's security establishment and ordered to first and foremost secure all Gaza Border communities from the presence of Hamas terrorists," Netanyahu added. "I have also ordered an extensive reserve recruitment and the mobilization of forces to counter back with forcefully in a manner the enemy has never known… We are at War. We will win," the Prime Minister said. (Source: haaretz.com)
3. Click on the links for live coverage from The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, or The Wall Street Journal.