Initial strikes achieved objective, attacks may ramp up — IDF spokesman

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari says the Israel Defense Forces achieved its goals with the opening strikes on the Gaza Strip against senior members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group.

“At this stage, we achieved what we set for ourselves, we hit those needed, and if necessary we will deepen the attacks more. We are prepared for any scenario,” Hagari tells reporters.

He says 40 aircraft, including fighter jets, carried out the main strikes within seconds of each other, at three different locations in the Gaza Strip.

“The operation was carried out with professionalism and precision in planning and execution,” Hagari says.

He says the IDF is expected to call up several hundred reservists in the coming day, mostly in the Air Force, Southern Command, and intelligence units.

The IDF has dubbed the operation “Shield and Arrow.”

“It is a defensive and offensive operation,” Hagari says.

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