Tensions and violence between Israel and Hamas escalated Tuesday, as the Jewish nation kicked into high gear on rocket launches at the same time telling more ground troops: You’re up.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the heavy fire comes on the heels of 80 rockets shot at Israel by Hamas on Monday, the Los Angeles Times reported. At a meeting convened on the tail end of the Hamas attack, Mr. Netanyahu told his defense ministers that “the gloves are off” and that “Hamas has chosen escalation and will pay a heavy price for it,” various media reported.
Specifically, Mr. Netanyahu and defense ministers have now kicked off a massive rocket assault on known Hamas strongholds in the Gaza Strip and called up more army reservists to add to the 1,500 who have already been activated, the Los Angeles Times said.
“We’re taking this to the next step,” said army spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, in the Los Angeles Times. “We’ve moved on from calm-for-calm.”
The Israeli military offensive has been dubbed “Protective Edge.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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