Islamic Forces Fire Rockets On Israel

Islamic guerrillas fired dozens of Katyusha rockets into northern Israel Tuesday to avenge a deadly attack Monday by militiamen aligned with Israel, but Israel said it was not preparing immediate retaliatory attacks.

Rockets rained down across Israel’s northern border, causing only minor damage and injuries, but sending residents scurrying by the thousands into shelters. The barrages were by far the heaviest since clashes between Hezbollah guerrillas and Israeli forces in southern Lebanon erupted into full-scale battle in April 1996.

At least for now, it appears that Israel has chosen to avoid retaliation. While warning sternly that Israel stood ready to protect its civilians, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that “the immediate task is to stop the cycle of violence.”