After local media reported a rocket fired from Gaza forced the evacuation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday, the Israel Defense Force tweeted it' "struck a number of Hamas terror targets in Gaza" in response.
After being rushed off stage, Netanyahu vows to kill Gazan who fired rocket at his campaign event: "He who fired last time isn't with us anymore. And he who fired now, better start packing his belongings"https://t.co/3QBAq4NCrK pic.twitter.com/oenudBs32Z
— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) December 25, 2019
Why it matters: The developments come after Netanyahu promised supporters that he'd "convince President Trump to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and all settlements on the West Bank if he wins Thursday's primary to lead the Likud Party." per Barak Ravid of Israel's Channel 13, writing for Axios.
Details: The IDF said it used its air defense system, the Iron Dome, to intercept the Gazan rocket fired into southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, 7.5 miles from the coastal Palestinian enclave. There were no immediate claims of responsibility.
- Israeli fighter jets and helicopters conducted multiple strikes against Hamas early Thursday local time, per AP, which notes "no casualties were reported as the sites have been empty."
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
Go deeper: Netanyahu promises Trump's backing for Israeli sovereignty over settlements
