Terrorists commit series of attacks in southern Israel
Terrorists carried out three terrorist attacks near the southern Israeli city of Eilat on Thursday (August 18).
In an incident that occurred around noon, terrorists opened fire on an Egged bus that was travelling from Be’er Sheva to Eilat on Highway 12 along the Israel-Egypt border. Nine people were wounded.
Magen David Adom paramedics were called to the scene and injured persons were transported to Yoseftal Hospital in Eilat.
In another incident, an explosive device exploded next to an IDF patrol, wounding several people.
All incidents occurred approximately 20 kilometers north of Eilat.
IDF forces pursued the terrorists that carried out the attacks and exchanged fire with them.
Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benny Gantz arrived in the area following the attacks.
IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yoav (Poly) Mordechai said that the attacks were part of a “grave and complex event” in which civilians and soldiers were injured.
The IDF calls on the public to avoid the area where the attacks occurred and allow security and rescue forces to carry out their work.
Highways 10 and 12 are closed until further notice.
The Kerem Shalom Crossing and the Erez Crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip were closed following the attacks.
