After blasting tunnel, Israel warns terrorists ‘you’re playing with fire’

“It should be clear: Any retaliation of any kind by the Islamic Jihad will be met with a powerful and determined Israeli response,” Israel warned. 

By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News

The IDF issued an unusual and stern message to the Islamic Jihad terror group, warning of dire repercussions if it attacks Israel.

The IDF estimates that the Islamic Jihad is planning an attack on the Jewish State following the IDF’s demolition of a terror tunnel some two weeks ago. A total of 14 terrorists were killed in the aftermath of the tunnel collapse, including two senior Islamic Jihad field commanders.

The Palestinian terror group has vowed revenge.

In a message in Arabic published on Saturday, Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) head Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai warned the Islamic Jihad to abandon plans to take revenge on Israel, saying that Israel knows of their plans and is prepared to repel them.

“It should be clear: Any retaliation of any kind by the Islamic Jihad will be met with a powerful and determined Israeli response, not only against the Jihad, but also against Hamas,” the Mordechai warned.

Mordechai directly addressed the terror group’s leader, Ramadan Shalah, and his deputy, Ziad Nakhaleh, who run the terror group from Syria.

“Take control of things because you will be held responsible,” the general said.

He further stressed that the Islamic Jihad was “playing with fire” and risking the safety of the residents of Gaza.

The IDF uncovered and retrieved the bodies of five Palestinian terrorists who were killed during the demolition of the terror tunnel, dug from the Gaza Strip into Israel. The five terrorists are believed to be low-ranking foot soldiers and members of Islamic Jihad, the terror group that dug the tunnel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would respond harshly to any attack against it no matter where it comes from. Speaking to the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu warned Hamas that it would be help accountable for the actions of Islamic Jihad. “I say this to every entity, rogue faction, organization — every one. In any case, we see Hamas as responsible for every attack that emanates from, or is planned against us in, the Gaza Strip,” he said.