Ashdod, the fifth largest city in Israel, is home to over 200,000 residents and Israel's largest port, accounting for sixty percent of the country's imported goods. It is located just under 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) north of Gaza. The inland city of Kiryat Gat, in the Southern District, is located 56 kilometers (35 miles) southeast of Tel Aviv. "We will strike beyond Ashkelon," several Hamas leaders have declared at rallies and in Arabic-language press conferences, sometimes citing Ashdod by name. More Hamas at : http://xrl.us/owddi

One sometimes has to discern between a political leadership that cares more for the state's enemy then its own citizens, and the temporary abdication of political liberty for the sake of safety and security. Without a secure State, there can never be a true democracy. Israel is now governed by weak, EXTREME left-wing corrupt politicos whose only goal is their self-aggrandizement and glory. Anti-state media, such as haaretz, has set the tone for the dismemberment of the State! Perhaps it is time to allow the military, and not the political hacks like barak and vilnai who only care about the State paycheck, to take command of a proper and complete response to the terrorist atrocities! An fixed election date for a return to power of the politicians can be set beforehand. But for now, Tzahal must act to protect the Negev, for if they do not, they will be reacting to attacks everywhere! we must be proactive, not reactive. And our politicians can handle neither!