Hamas rockets hit Beersheva

Defense Minister Ehud Barak: A ground operation is probably inevitable.

Hamas fired four Grad rockets at Beersheva last night, the first time that the city has been hit since the start of Operation Cast Lead. One rocket hit a kindergarten - fortunately empty at the time - in a residential neighborhood, and nine residents were treated for shock at Soroka Medical Center. Another rocket landed in open space.

Beersheva Mayor Rubik Danilovich said, "There are no reported casualties. We ask Beersheva's residents to say near their protected rooms. We've taken responsibility with the Home Front Command and we're ready for all scenarios."

Danilovich added, "People who live in Israel know that this can happen anywhere. We've said that we won't be complacent, and this city won't fall into panic."

Minister of Defense Ehud Barak said yesterday that a ground operation was probably inevitable. Later, however, he told French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner that Israel would consider his proposal for a 48-hour cease-fire to enable the distribution of humanitarian aid.

Last night, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni, and Barak decided to reject the proposal for now. Olmert and Livni supported continuing the operation, with Barak suggesting to consider the French proposal.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 31, 2008

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2008

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