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Israel begins bombarding Gaza in retaliation for missiles fired at homes near Tel Aviv

ISRAEL started its anticipated bombardment of the Gaza Strip today with troops also mobilising to the occupied Golan Heights.

Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu cut short a planned speech in Washington today as he headed back to Israel, authorising air strikes on Gaza in retaliation for missiles fired at homes north of Tel Aviv.

“In the light of the events related to the security, I have decided to shorten my visit to the United States,” he said. “In a few hours I will meet with [US President Donald] Trump and immediately return to Israel to control our actions on the spot.”

The US appeared to have given the green light for the assault with Mr Trump recognising Israel’s ”right to defend itself.”

An Israeli Defence Force statement confirmed: “We have just started striking Hamas targets throughout the Gaza Strip.”

The attack comes just weeks after Israel pounded Gaza with 100 bombs after two missiles were fired in error.

Before Mr Netanyahu left Washington, Mr Trump signed a proclamation recognising Israel’s full sovereignty over the Golan Heights — Syrian land stolen after the 1967 six day war.

The state of alert in Syrian Golan was heightened with Tel Aviv deploying snipers and security forces with anti-riot gear including tear gas canisters and rubber-coated bullets to the area.

“The army and the police are preparing for possible demonstrations in the Syrian side of the Golan Heights,” an Israeli army spokesman said.

The US proclamation on the Golan Heights was seen by many as an attempt to boost Mr Netanyahu’s flagging election campaign. 

The beleaguered Israeli PM faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust with the latest polls showing his Likud party trailing former army chief Benny Gantz’s new Blue and White alliance.

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