Senior diplomatic source: 'Fire will be answered with fire'

A senior diplomatic official commented this evening (Thursday) on the continued shooting from the Gaza Strip and the direct hit on Rehovot in which one person was killed and five were injured.

"If the shooting at Israel continues, the attacks against the Gaza Strip will continue, including the continuation of the assassinations and the exaction of another heavy price from the Islamic Jihad. Fire will be answered with fire."

"In the last day, despite Egypt's efforts to bring about a ceasefire, the Islamic Jihad initiated a barrage of fire at Israel. In response, a fourth significant senior member of the Islamic Jihad (Ali Ali) was killed, and the organization continued to suffer severe damage. The equation has changed: Israel will take into account and respond, exacting a price for directing terrorism from the Gaza Strip to Judea and Samaria. The assassination of Tarek Azaldin is an example of this. The IDF is prepared to continue to protect the citizens of Israel with strength, and at the same time, attacks terrorist targets and is ready for any scenario," the source said.