For the second time in a week, the IDF confirmed that mortars launched from Syria into Israel landed in the Golan Heights.
On Wednesday, two mortars fired from Syria fell in Israel’s northern region. Wednesday’s incident is also the first time the Iron Dome missile defense system was activated near Israel’s northern border in an attempt to intercept the rockets.
The IDF confirmed the mortar fire from Syria, believing it was likely unintentional. No damage or injuries were reported.
According to sources, the intercepting missiles activated by Israel were “called off” once Iron Dome operators realized the rockets would land in open areas, reported Ynet.
Firefighters were called to the scene of the impact sites of the rockets to put out fired caused by their explosions. The falling mortars fell between the areas of Alonei HaBashan and Ein Zivan in the Golan Heights.
IDF sources told Ynet that they believe the rocket fire was part of celebrations by pro-Assad forces, who won a recent election in Syria.
On Monday, mortar shells fired from Syria landed near an IDF outpost on Mount Hermon. IDF forces responded with artillery fire towards the launch sites of the rockets.
IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said that Israel regarded the attack “with upmost severity.” He added that “the IDF reserves the right to act in any way and at any time it sees fit to protect the citizens of Israel.”
The IDF did not respond with any artillery fire on Wednesday’s incident.
