IDF to reduce fishing area to 8 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza Strip in response to incendiary balloons • 12 fires raged today in the Gaza Strip due to arson terror
Navy ships off the coast of the Gaza Strip // Photo: Coco
Photo:
Coco
Following security consultations, Defense Minister Bnei Gantz approved the recommendation of the chief of staff, the IDF and security officials, and today (Wednesday) ordered a reduction in the fishing space in the Gaza Strip from 15 to eight nautical miles, immediately until further notice.
The decision was made following the continued inflating of incendiary balloons from the Gaza Strip into the territory of the State of Israel and the undermining of security stability. The IDF spokesman said: "The decision was made in light of repeated terrorist acts by the Gaza Strip against Israeli citizens in recent days, which constitute a violation of Israeli sovereignty."
Photo: Tal Oz / Ministry of Defense
Hamas bears responsibility for everything that happens in and out of the Gaza Strip towards Israel, and it will bear the consequences of the violence perpetrated against the citizens of Israel.
Firefighters worked today to control 12 fires in the Ashkelon and Eshkol Regional Councils. "Most of the fires are small and not dangerous," said the Southern District Fire and Rescue Service.
The teams worked together with members of the JNF and the Nature and Parks Authority, along with IDF trailers, Rabshakehs and volunteers.
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In the last 72 hours, there have been 45 fires in the JNF forests, and 850 dunams have been burned. "Much damage to the forest area burned, both to the trees and to the animals for which the forests are a habitat," the JNF said. "KKL-JNF workers and foresters are on the ground and prepared for any development."
During a visit by Defense Minister Bnei Gantz to the Home Front Command's Corona headquarters yesterday, he addressed tensions in the Gaza Envelope: "Hamas allows incendiary and explosive balloons to continue to inflate the State of Israel. "Violating the security and peace of the State of Israel. If that does not happen, we will have to respond - and forcefully."
• Netanyahu in a sharp message to Hamas and Iran: "We will charge a heavy price for incendiary balloons to the south"
• This morning too: fires in the Gaza Strip due to explosive balloons
• Senior Palestinian source: "If Israel does not approve the easing of Gaza - the security situation will escalate"
The IDF attacked the Gaza Strip last night in response to the launching of balloons yesterday, which caused about 60 fires in the envelope areas. Underground and Hamas observation posts.
"The IDF takes all terrorist activity against Israeli territory very seriously, and will continue to act as much as necessary against attempts to harm Israeli citizens," the IDF spokesman said. "The terrorist organization Hamas bears responsibility for what is happening in and out of the Gaza Strip. ".
