IDF to fortify base near Gaza
Pressure by concerned parents does the trick: Army to fortify base hit by Qassam rocket last week, Ynet learns
The base was hit by a Qassam rocket last week, and another Qassam hit a nearby base later in the week, wounding five soldiers.
"The intensifying (Qassam) fire pushed the construction work forward. We'll do everything to provide soldiers with a sense of security," an IDF official said.
Apparently, dozens of phone calls by concerned parents of new recruits stationed at the base and fears expressed by the soldiers, who only joined the army in recent weeks, played a role in the decision. Ynet learned that starting Sunday morning, dozens of trucks are expected to head to the base to begin the work.
The plan to fortify the base was formulated following the disengagement plan, but its implementation is now being pushed forward. The work was only scheduled to be completed in six months.
Relative quiet in Gaza
Army sources told Ynet cement walls will be built around every tent compound in the base in order to minimize the damage caused by incoming Qassams. Guard posts will be replaced and other fortification work will be undertaken, the sources said.
"We cannot provide 100 percent protection and build a roof above every tent, but we can certainly undertake various works that cost quite a bit of money in order to provide a sense of security and prevent, as much as possible, casualties," an IDF officer told Ynet.
Meanwhile, the recruits stationed at the base will get an added bonus – because of the construction work they will report back to base only Sunday afternoon, instead of early morning.
However, some members of Kibbutz Zikim have expressed their indignation at the decision to fortify the army base nearby, as they have been requesting similar protection from Qassams for several years now, but to no avail.
“While we are withstanding the Qassam attacks with courage and patience, we do not plan on leaving the Kibbutz,” Kibbutz Zikim Secretary Ilal Burda said.
'Any Qassam fire could escalate'
“We have submitted official requests with all those in charge of fortification, but it’s simply not happening. True, it’s easier to fortify an army base than a Kibbutz, where people live and work, but the need exists.”
A few weeks ago heads of regional municipalities surrounding Gaza sent Prime Minister Ariel Sharon a letter demanding that all their communities within Qassam range be fortified. They claimed that the funds promised them have not been transferred as of yet “for unknown reasons.”
The Gaza Strip and surrounding area enjoyed relative quiet over the weekend. The army identified the launching of four Qassam rockets at Israel, but only one rocket was found, near the Gaza security fence. Officials estimate the harsh weather conditions had their effect on Palestinian Qassam launching cells as well.
As a result of the quiet, the IDF has not yet put into action the "security zone" policy ordered by Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz Thursday and meant to create a "sterile zone" in northern Gaza.
"We'll see how the next few days look like," an IDF official said. "Of course, any Qassam fire could escalate the situation, and we're preparing for any development."
