Qassam rocket hits soccer field
Rocket fired from Gaza hits Israeli community near Strip; no injuries or damages reported
Security forces were dispatched to the scene.
The rocket attack came after a relative long period of quiet in Netiv Ha’asara, which has been the target of mortar and rocket attacks in the past. Following the last attack, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and senior security officials visited the community and heard complaints about the failure to reinforce buildings in the area. Mofaz promised to push forward reinforcement works, but local officials say the work has been progressing slowly.
“Many things have not been completed. For example, the community’s security personnel do not have an armored car…and the electronic alert system has not been completed” Netiv Ha’asara’s security chief Gil Ta’asa said. “We talked, and we are still talking, but unfortunately the things are not progressing to our satisfaction.”
Artillery fire throughout the night
Earlier, a Qassam rocket was fired close to midnight Tuesday at the southern town of Sderot. No injuries were reported in that strike either. On the eve of Simchat Torah (Monday night), at least five Qassam rockets were fired at the town.
Meanwhile, IDF artillery fire was heard in Sderot throughout Tuesday night, at times causing great panic in town after residents were not sure whether the loud blasts were from IDF fire or an indication of more rocket and mortar attacks.
Sderot continued to maintain a state of high alert Wednesday morning and residents were asked to listen to instructions given by the security forces and take precautionary measures.
City Hall said it planned to meet during the day to discuss what to do about the town’s school system in light of the persistent attacks. Sderot Spokesman Yossi Pinhas-Cohen said that reinforcement of the various educational institutions in town had already begun.
"We are now reinforcing the kindergartens according to order of priority, the process has begun. However, it is clear that even if we reinforce all of Sderot, the problem will not be solved," he said. "We will hold consultations with professionals and decide during the day."
Efrat Weiss contributed to the story
