IDF Spokesperson Announcement
July 18, 2014
IDF Overnight Missions in the Gaza Strip

Yesterday at approximately 22:00 IDT, the IDF initiated the ground phase of
Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip. The goal is to establish a
reality in which Israeli residents can live in safety without continues
indiscriminate terror, while striking a significant blow to Hamas' terror
infrastructure.

Over the course of the night; infantry, armored corps, engineer corps,
artillery, and intelligence forces operated on the ground in various
locations across the Gaza Strip, along with aerial and naval support.

Initial indication suggests that the results thus far fall in line with IDF
expectations, as IDF forces have succeeded in neutralizing some 14
terrorists in several exchanges of fire. Also, IDF forces exposed and
destroyed some 20 concealed rocket launchers, carried out approximately 9
strikes on tunnels, and targeting altogether over 103 terror targets.
Additionally, IDF ground forces are advancing in their respective missions,
including identifying and combating the terror tunnel threat.

Overnight, an IDF soldier was killed in the northern Gaza Strip. The
soldier's family has been notified.

Since the beginning of the of the ground phase of the operation, about 50
rockets were fired at Israel, 25 of which hit Israel and another 20
intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system.

In addition, overnight, an anti- tank missile hit an IDF heavy bulldozer in
the southern Gaza Strip, causing damage. No injuries were reported.
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