At least 34 rockets were fired from Lebanese territory into the Western Galilee region in northern Israel during the first day of Passover on Thursday. So far, Israel has refrained from reacting, and it will seemingly wait until after the Security Cabinet meeting, which is scheduled for 8:30 this evening. Two injuries have been reported so far.
The IDF stated that following the reports regarding the sirens that sounded in the western Galilee region, an initial inquiry identified 34 rockets fired from Lebanese territory into Israeli territory. The IDF Aerial Defense Array intercepted 25 rockets. Five rockets landed in Israeli territory. Regarding the four additional launches, the information about their location is under review. The IDF Spokesperson added that the statistics are not final.
MDA EMTs and Paramedics treated a 19-year-old male in mild condition with shrapnel injuries to his limbs. MDA teams also treated an approximately 60-year-old woman who was lightly injured on her way to the secure room, as well as a number of victims with stress symptoms.
MDA Paramedic Oriya Kortz, who was at the scene: "When we arrived on the scene, we met a 19-year-old male with a hand injury. We were told that he was in a vehicle and then moved to the secure room. We provided initial medical treatment and evacuated him in mild condition for further assessment at the hospital."
Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant recently completed a situation assessment with senior officials in Israel’s defense establishment. The briefing covered all the arenas and the missiles fired from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon over the past day. Upon completing the assessment, the Minister instructed the defense establishment to prepare all the possible responses to recent events ahead of the discussions to take place during the meeting of the Security Cabinet this evening.
Several cities in the north announced that they will open their public bomb shelters. The IDF has raised its alertness level, and fighter jets have even begun circling the area near the border. The IDF is preparing for potential ground infiltrations and aerial infiltrations by unmanned aircraft.
The US State Department condemned the rocket fire at Israel from Lebanon and Gaza, stating: "The US is in constant contact with Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Our obligation to Israel is indisputable. We recognize her legitimate right to defend herself against any type of aggression.