Rocket alert sirens sounded throughout central Israel and the Sharon region on Sunday afternoon, activating alerts in Tel Aviv, Hod Hasharon, Petah Tikva, Ra'anana, Herzliya and other localities.
Shortly afterward, Hamas claimed responsibility, announcing, "We fired a large salvo at Tel Aviv in response to the Zionist massacres of civilians." This marks the first time in four months that rockets have been fired in the area.
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Shrapnel from rocket intercepted over Kfar Saba
(Photo: Michael Zilber, from social media)
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Rocket fragment in Herzliya
(Photo: From social media according to Article 27A of the Copyright Law)
The Magen David Adom ambulance service reported that a 52-year-old woman and a 30-year-old woman were slightly injured on their way to the shelter in Herzliya. Other individuals suffered from shock.
Following the rocket fire, explosions were heard throughout central Israel, and residents reported "panic and loud booms." Iron Dome fighters successfully intercepted some of the rockets, which were launched from the Gaza Strip, apparently from Rafah, from a launcher located a distance of less than a kilometer from where IDF forces are operating.
After the barrage, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted on X: "Rafah! With full force!"
Ynet military and security affairs correspondent Ron Ben-Yishai added that the surprise rocket barrage aimed to penetrate air defenses, causing damage or casualties deep within Israeli territory. Although unsuccessful, Hamas considers the attack itself an important achievement in its war of perception, supposedly dealing a moral blow to the Israeli public.
Additionally, launching a relatively long-range missile barrage is intended to show the Israeli public that Hamas remains resilient after almost eight months of fighting, suggesting there is no point in attempting to topple it militarily.
Shrapnel falls in Kfar Saba
Shrapnel falls from sky over Herzliya
(Video: Michael Zilber)
Lastly, Hamas wants to use the rocket launchers and arms depots at its disposal in Rafah as the IDF solidifies its hold over growing swaths of Gaza's southernmost city.
According to Ben-Yishai, this situation clearly demonstrates that until Hamas in the Gaza Strip is dismantled from most of its military capabilities, Israeli citizens will not enjoy a reasonable degree of security. Even after Hamas is defeated, the IDF must prevent it from re-establishing its power.