Israeli officials publicly blamed Iran for the recent mortar attack on southern Israel Wednesday, saying Tehran was the “culprit” behind the barrage that included 180 Iranian-manufactured shells.
According to the Jerusalem Post, IDF Spokesperson Ronen Manelis confirmed the mortar shells were produced inside the Islamic Republic and smuggled into the region by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
“Despite Israel’s intelligence superiority over terror groups, as well a blockade imposed both by the IDF and Egypt, Hamas and other terror groups in the Strip have restocked their supply of weapons in the four years since the last round of fighting between Israel and Hamas,” writes the Post.
“The mass-produced Iranian mortar shells used in Tuesday’s salvos were also used by Islamic Jihad in an attack in January and in a barrage 12 mortar shells fired toward an army outpost in November,” adds the author.
The revelation raises new questions over Iran’s influence in the region as the United States urges western allies and other nations to help clampdown on Tehran’s nuclear program.
GAZA CHAOS: Dozens Killed, Terror Attack FOILED as US Embassy Opens
A least 37 Palestinian protesters were killed and hundreds more injured Monday as thousands of demonstrators descended on the Gaza-Israeli border, including three “armed terrorists” who attempted to “plant a bomb” near the heavily fortified fence.
According to Fox News, more than 35,000 protesters assembled near the border as US and Israeli officials officially opened the American embassy in the heart of Jerusalem; fulfilling years of US promises by recognizing the holy city as the capital of the Jewish state.
“Moments ago, an IDF patrol foiled a bomb-laying attack by a cell of three armed terrorists near Rafah, close to the border,” the Israeli military said Monday. “This is a particularly violent protest point. The troops responded with fire at the terrorists. The terrorists were killed.”
“Rioters are hurling pipe bombs and firebombs at IDF troops, burning tires, throwing stones and burning objects, with the intention of setting fires in Israel and hurting IDF troops,” said an Israeli official.
The violence comes just hours before Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, and other dignitaries open the embassy, featuring a pre-recorded speech by President Trump.
Read the full story at Fox News.
HAMAS ADMISSION: Terror Group Says ’50 MEMBERS’ Killed in Gaza Riots
A senior Hamas leader publicly admitted Wednesday that at least “50 members” of the terror organization were killed during clashes with Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza; smashing the United Nations’ claim that the riots were “peaceful protests.”
Hamas organizer Salah Bardawil made the stunning admission while speaking with reporters this week; saying “If 62 people” were killed, then 50 were members of the international terror organization.
Hamas official, Dr. Salah Al-Bardawil is clear about terrorist involvement in the riots pic.twitter.com/p5My6JGQRr
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 16, 2018
“Senior Hamas official sets the record straight on who was killed in last Hamas-orchestrated riots: ‘50 of the 62 martyrs were Hamas’. Take his word for it. This was no peaceful protest,” said a spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces.
The revelation comes just one day after US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley blocked a resolution that called for an independent investigation into the “peaceful protests.”