Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu vowed to respond “forcefully” after a rocket fired early Monday morning from the Gaza Strip leveled a home at least 50 miles away in the central Israeli community of Mishmeret, injuring at least seven people, including two infants.
According to Arab media, Egyptian mediators are working to prevent an escalation, although Hamas reportedly is preparing for a possible significant Israeli military operation and has evacuated its headquarters.
The Israel Defense Forces has deployed additional troops to the Gaza border and called up reservists for air-defense units.
Meanwhile, Monday’s attack opened a floodgate of criticism directed at Netanyahu from political rivals, who accused him of forfeiting Israeli deterrence by appeasing Hamas.
The Media Line discussed the complex issue with Maj. Gen. Gershon Hacohen, who was the Israeli army officer that oversaw the 2005 unilateral withdrawal from Gaza.
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