Rockets
Photo: Reuters
IDF operates in Gaza
Photo: Amir Cohen
Sderot: Rockets fall despite operation
IDF carries out operation 'Autumn Clouds' to prevent rocket launchings, but fails to block 7 Qassam attacks on western Negev and Sderot. One lands in backyard of home, others land near strategic installation south of Ashkelon
Despite the wide-scale IDF operation in northern Gaza, which was supposed to eradicate the Qassam attacks on Sderot and the western Negev, the atmosphere in the area was dreary Wednesday as seven rockets landed in and around the city – an unusually high amount compared to the previous months.
One of the rockets landed in the backyard of a Sderot home. Only victims of shock were reported in the attack, and nearby cars were damaged. Two rockets fell in a factory in Sderot's industrial zone. One caused a fire and the other resulted in a minor leak of hazardous materials. Three people were lightly injured. Another rocket landed south of Ashkelon near a strategic facility and did not cause any damage or injuries.
Due of the attacks, the streets of Sderot were completely empty. Chairwoman of the Sderot Parents' Association Batia Keter said that as a result of the attacks, the schools which were not protected will remain closed on Thursday, including the city's high school.
Qassam strike in Sderot factory (Photo: Maya Lavkovich HNN.co.il)
Local residents, meanwhile, continued their protest in front of the Sderot home of Defense Minister Amir Peretz. They charged the IDF's operation Wednesday came too late and with little results. "By the time they decided to act, the Palestinians had time to arm themselves. Our feeling is that the operation today will not help to eliminate the Qassam attacks," a Sderot resident told Ynet.
Head of the Sderot protest campaign Alon Davidi said that the rockets attacks on Sderot is "the answer of the terror groups to the miserable decision of the security cabinet led by Defense Minister Peretz , a resident of the city, to continue the useless pinpointed operations in Gaza which hold the residents of Sderot hostage to his failed policy."
Defense Minister Amir Peretz said that the current operation is aimed at "significantly reducing" the Qassam rocket launches from the Strip.
Peretz stressed the limited nature of the operation and the emphasis on "not being dragged after the terrorist cells." Wednesday afternoon, he received the security cabinet's approval to continue operations of this nature, while undergoing preparations for more extensive operations if the need arises.
Qassam hits Sderot (Photo: Maya Lavkovich HNN.co.il)
Avigdor Lieberman, in his debut as Strategic Affairs Minister, suggested operating in Gaza "the way that Russia operates in Chechnya."
Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant who heads the IDF Southern Command said on Tuesday that the Palestininas will refrain from firing rockets saying "the operation didn't stop the attacks completely, but it is more difficult for them to launch and conduct attack against our forces."
The current operation is the most extensive the IDF has conducted in the past months both in the size of the force and the time allotted for the operation. According to IDF sources, the forces are encountering heavy resistance, including explosive charges, small arms fire, and anti-tank missiles.
During the operations an IDF soldier, staff-sergeant Kiril Golenstein, 21, of Moshav Shekef was killed.
