Palestinian terrorists operating out of the Gaza Strip on Monday fired into southern Israel upwards of a dozen rockets, one of which struck the city of Beersheva.
There were no reports of serious damage, and Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system managed to intercept a number of rockets that threatened to hit residential areas.
Israeli officials have been warning to Gaza’s Hamas rulers to curb the rocket fire, or face a strong and determined Israeli military response. However, Israel has thus far confined itself to limited, pinpoint aerial strikes against Hamas operatives.
While the current Israeli approach is aimed at avoiding further escalation in the region, many fear that such a kid-glove response will only encourage Hamas and its allies to continue attacking. And, indeed, they are doing just that.
In fact, Hamas this week published a video taunting the residents of Beersheva and suggesting that they run for their lives “before it’s too late.”
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the IDF both also published videos to YouTube showing what it’s like for the residents of southern Israel to live under siege (see below).
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Monday announced the end of his Israel Beiteinu party’s alliance with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling Likud faction, at least in part over differences of opinion on how to deal with the Gaza rocket fire.
Lieberman advocates a strong military response, possibly including the reconquering of Gaza, and accuses Netanyahu of only putting Israel at greater risk by taking a more moderate approach.
israeltoday
Rapid escalation in southern Israel; one injured in Gaza rocket barrage
