Israel now formally declares war on Hamas after Saturday’s attack by the terrorist-labeled Islamist group.
The decision came after a vote in the country’s security cabinet where they voted yes to activate the so-called Article 40A.
The last time it happened was exactly 50 years ago, in 1973, in connection with the Yom Kippur War, or the October War.
The decision gives the country formal permission to “take significant military action,” said a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.