IDF attacks rocket-launching cell in Gaza
Army's spokesperson's unit says cell was preparing to fire Qassam toward western Negev region when it was struck; Palestinians say no injuries
The IDF attacked a Qassam rocket-launching cell in northern Gaza Sunday evening. The army's spokesperson's unit said the cell had been preparing to fire a Qassam toward Israel's western Negev region when it was attacked. Forces identified a hit, but the Palestinians said there were no reports on injuries.
Dozens of rockets and mortars have been fired toward south Israel since Friday. The latest barrage on Sunday saw three Qassams land in the Negev. One rocket exploded at the entrance to Sderot, not far from a school, and caused a panic at the scene.
Another rocket landed within the Eshkol Regional Council and a third fell in Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council. No injuries or damage was caused.
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said at the start of Sunday's cabinet meeting that "there is no truce in Gaza. Those referring to it as a truce don't know what is going on there.
"The person responsible for our security must act. I'll work on the diplomatic level," she added. "I will act in the diplomatic channel."
Responding to Livni's comment, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said, "I know this is a heated political season, and I am aware of the suffering of the residents and the reality of the rockets. The action will not be forgotten and the responsibility lies on me."
During the meeting cabinet approved the allotment of NIS 695 million (about $174 million) for the fortification of Gaza vicinity communities. Following the approval, some 6,000 housing units subject to rocket fire will be fortified in the coming years.
