Prime Minister Netanyahu declares war as at least 20 Israelis dead
Hundreds of Israelis injured in Hamas rocket assault from Beersheba to Jerusalem • Israeli Air Force target Hamas targets in the Strip
October 7, 2023
A barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel Saturday morning, amidst which Ofir Liebstein, Head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, was killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists.
Liebstein was killed when he went to defend the settlement during the terrorist attack. Deputy head of the council, Yossi Keren is currently filling his place.
Sirens were heard as far as Jerusalem multiple times beginning at 8:15 a.m. Further sirens were heard at 10:15.
At least one rocket directly hit a building in the Gederot Regional Council, killing a woman in her 60s, according to Magen David Adom.
"The Hamas [terrorist organization] has made a grave mistake this morning and launched a war against the State of Israel. IDF troops are fighting against the enemy at every location," said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant following a situation assessment. The State of Israel will win this war.”
The IDF declared that it was "ready for war" after widespread rocket fire was shot into Israeli territory from Gaza, and terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory through various entry points.
At least 20 Israelis dead as sirens wail in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
Hamas claims to have kidnapped five Israeli soldiers. The IDF has not corroborated the report. * Netanyahu says Israel is at war
A barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel Saturday morning, as Hamas terrorists infiltrated the country and took over Southern Israeli towns and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is at war.
"We are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war," the prime minister said in a video statement. The IDF declared its operation "Iron Swords."
At least 20 people were dead, Magen David Adom reported, with rumors that more casualties were to be announced soon.
Ofir Liebstein, head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, was killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists. Liebstein was killed as he defended his settlement during an attack. Deputy head of the council, Yossi Keren is currently filling his place. A second Israeli - a woman in her 60s - was killed when a rocket directly hit her building in the Gederot Regional Council.
The names and identities of the other victims had not yet been released.
"The Hamas [terrorist organization] has made a grave mistake this morning and launched a war against the State of Israel. IDF troops are fighting against the enemy at every location," said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant following a situation assessment. The State of Israel will win this war.”
The IDF was striking the southern region and communities near the Gaza Strip with multiple operational forces it said Saturday afternoon in an operation it is calling "Iron Swords."
"Operational commanders are arriving to manage the combat in all areas," explained IDF Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hagari. "Concurrently, we have initiated the call-up of reservists for various units within the IDF."
Numerous IDF units, including special units, have been deployed to the Gaza periphery and are engaging in various combat zones to protect the residents of the southern region. Dozens of combat aircraft from the Air Force have recently struck several targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas claimed to have kidnapped five IDF soldiers, but the IDF had not yet confirmed the report. Israeli media reported that Hamas had 33 prisoners of war, including both civilians and IDF soldiers that are being held as hostage.
"Residents in the south and center of the country are required to be in close proximity to protected areas, and those in the Gaza periphery should remain within a secure space," the IDF announced.
The Prime Minister's Office said that the Security Cabinet would convene around 1 p.m. following an extensive situation assessment that took place in the morning. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid is set to meet with Netanyahu following the security meeting.
Gallant approved the draft of reserve soldiers in accordance with the IDF’s requirements. He also announced a “special security situation” in Israel’s Homefront, within a 0-80 km radius from the Gaza Strip. This status enables the IDF to provide civilians with safety instructions at close relevant sites.
"Hamas is the ruling entity in the Gaza Strip, responsible for this attack, and will bear the consequences and responsibility for the events," the IDF said.
Several senior IDF officials stated that Hamas now controls several settlements in the southern areas of the country, Walla reported.
"There is an area in the State of Israel that is now occupied by Hamas."
Senior IDF officials
Injuries and treatment
Hundreds of Israelis sought medical attention at hospitals throughout the country.
Magen David Adom (MDA) said it had treated dozens of people throughout the country, including many in critical condition. In addition, MDA teams were providing care for victims of anxiety and other minor injuries resulting from falls on the way to shelters.
Some 280 people with varying degrees of injuries were evacuated to the Soroka Medical Center for treatment, including 44 in moderate condition and 60 in serious condition.
A total of 21 people received treatment at Kaplan Medical Center, the hospital said. Four others were in moderate condition, and 15 lightly injured. Some of the injured had gunshot wounds, some shrapnel injuries, and some people were suffering from shock.
Asaf Harofeh said it treated 33 people, two in serious condition, two in moderate condition, and the rest with mild injuries. Samson Assuta Ashdod Hospital said they had treated four people that were injured from rocket fire, among other hospitals. Two people injured from rocket fire were evacuated to the Sheba Medical Center for treatment.
Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem said 23 people were being treated, including one in life-threatening condition. Finally, 136 people with varying degrees of injury were also evacuated to the Barzilai Medical Center for treatment.
Rockets fell into multiple cities and communities.
According to the Hagari, some 2,200 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory. This included Tel Aviv, where initial reports by Israeli media said there was a direct hit to a home. Other cities where rockets fell included Rishon Lezion, Holon and Bat Yam. Sirens were also sounded in the West Bank, including Efrat.
Moreover, a direct hit was reported on a building in Ashkelon. Dozens of vehicles also caught fire in the city.
In Ramla, four civilians that were trapped under a damaged building were rescued by the Israel Fire and Rescue personnel. Six buildings and another 10 vehicles were damaged in the area.
Shelters have been opened across the country. Many parts of Ashkelon and the surrounding were without electricity.
"We urge residents to stay in protected areas, avoid approaching the scenes, and refrain from touching rocket remnants that may contain explosives or similar hazards," Israel Police said.
Airports in the south and center of the country were closed to private flights. Ben-Gurion Airport, however, said it would remain open and operate in accordance with security and safety guidelines.
"The public is urged to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command to stay close to protected areas, and residents of the Gaza periphery are requested to stay indoors," the army requested.
As noted, in addition to the rocket fire, terrorists attempted to infiltrate into southern Israel. Exchange of fire between Israeli forces and terrorists were reported at the Sderot police station. In the southern Gaza periphery kibbutz as well, there was an infiltration of terrorists and exchanges of fire.
The terrorists were reportedly fortified in buildings. By noon, some of the terrorists had returned to the Gaza Strip.
A resident of Nirim kibbuts bordering Gaza told Maariv: "Terrorists are passing through the kibbutz, they tried to enter my house. They keep trying to break into houses."
Terrorists had also reportedly infiltrated the city of Ofakim and exchanges of gunfire were heard.
N12 reported that Hamas terrorists had captured Israeli vehicles and returned to Gaza with them.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad stated that its fighters have joined Hamas in attacks against Israel.
Israeli officials respond
President Isaac Herzog said that, "the State of Israel is facing a difficult hour. I stand with the IDF, its commanders, and soldiers, as well as all the security and rescue forces. I want to send words of encouragement and strength to all the residents of Israel who are under attack.
"I call upon everyone to listen to the instructions of the Home Front Command, to show mutual support, and to stay resilient," the president continued. "Together we can overcome all those who wish us harm."
National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz said that "Hamas made a grave mistake and they will bear the consequences. All citizens of Israel stand behind the IDF and the security forces, and the government has full backing to exact a heavy price for any determined and responsible action.
"We will remain attentive, united and deliver a heavy and painful blow to the enemy," he continued.
Lapid stated that he would announced that he would support a military response to the broad attacks against Israeli citizens.
However, Labor Party leader Merav Michaeli wrote on X: "Today is Netanyahu's Yom Kippur - a terrible and shameful failure, and a very difficult morning. To start Saturday and the holiday morning children running to the stairwell and with terrible reports about what is happening in the southern settlements."
Yisrael Beytenu Leader Avigdor Liberman stated that "Our strength is in our unity. Fifty years since the Yom Kippur War and once again we find ourselves in a war for the home against the enemy. The Israeli government must exact a heavy price from Hamas."
Protests called off
Due to the terror escalation, the Kaplan Force announced the cancellation of the demonstration that was planned to take place Saturday evening in Tel Aviv.
"We stand by the IDF and the security forces carrying out their duties during this difficult time and hope for the restoration of calm and security," the force said.
Brothers in Arms and Forum 555 also called on their followers to support the IDF and fight for Israel's security.
"We call on everyone who is required to stand up for the defense of Israel to do so without hesitation and immediately," Brothers in Arms said in a statement. "Right now, the most important thing is the security of the country."
Bruno Mars' performance at Yarkon Park on Saturday night has also been cancelled following the rocket attacks.
Blood donations needed
MDA said its blood services organized a special blood donation drive at Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv.
"We earnestly request the public's support and participation in this crucial initiative by coming forward to donate blood," MDA said.
Reuters contributed to this report. This is a developing story.