The missile attacks on Southern Israel from Gaza continued today. A Grad rocket landed in open ground in the port city of Ashdod this morning. There were no reports of injury or damage to property.
During the night, Israel Air Force planes attacked rocket launchers and arms depots in the Gaza Strip after the Hof Ashkelon region came under fire from a rocket. The IDF reported that precise hits on targets were seen.
In the wake of the escalation in rocket fire at the south, the forum of nine ministers will convene today to discuss the possible responses at Israel's disposal. At the same time schools in the regions surrounding the Gaza Strip are taking place today after the IDF Home Front Command assessed the situation.
However, it was ordered that any assembly of more than 250 people in either an open or closed space will require approval from security forces and coordination with the local authorities. The Home Front Command also said that schools will be open tomorrow throughout other southern towns with no restrictions on public gatherings.
The latest attacks and rocket fire took place after last night Palestinian factions in the Gaza strip agreed to an Egyptian initiative for calm. The factions said in a published statement that such an agreement was conditional on Israel also holding its fire. However, not all the Gaza factions responsible for the recent escalation were party to the discussions.
Last night, two Kassam rockets landed in open space in the Sderot region. There were no injuries or damage. Earlier yesterday, the Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted two Grad missiles fired at Netivot after a Grad missile exploded near a factory in the city's industrial zone. There was damage to property and several people were treated for shock.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 13, 2012
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2012