Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai (Labor) has instructed his office on Sunday to expedite the construction of public shelters and the installation of defense systems in the Gaza-vicinity communities in light of the incessant rocket and mortar fire
emanating from the Hamas-controlled
territory.
At least 16 Qassam rockets and a number of mortars were fired toward southern Israel on Sunday. Some 40 Qassams and dozens of mortars have been fired towards the western Negev region since the ceasefire between Israel and the armed Palestinian groups expired on Friday.
Vilnai decreed that any community within a 7-kilometer range of the border with Gaza must have five or six renovated shelters. According to the Defense Ministry, 100 shelters have been renovated so far, and a 100 more are currently being revamped.
In addition a tender has been issued for the constriction of 50 hollowed-out concrete structures to protect the Negev's farmers from incoming rockets and mortars.
Just two weeks ago the government approved
the allocation of an additional NIS 600 million (approx. $152.183 million) for the fortification of the Gaza vicinity communities.
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