The Security Cabinet has authorized IDF airstrikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip if rocket fire on southern Israel persists, according to Hebrew media reports.

Senior officials warn of a strong Israeli response to�continued rocket fire.� IDF officers presented various options for targeting the Hamas�terror group. The Cabinet voted to allow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz to decide upon the scale and timing�of the response.

�The ball is Hamas� hands. There is no desire on Israel�s part for having violence escalate, but we are prepared in case the rocket fire continues,� said unnamed senior officials.

Hamas claimed that it was not behind recent attacks on the south and blamed the Islamic Jihad faction for�the recent escalation. Hamas sent messages to Israel via UN and Egyptian negotiators that Hamas was attempting to get the rogue faction to refrain from further rocket�fire.� Hamas added that they are reluctant to continue the current round of violence and share Israel’s concern over the escalation.

However, Israeli officials said�that Hamas is responsible for allowing Islamic Jihad to target southern�Israel in the latest round of cross-border violence.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)