Qassam that hit Negev Saturday
Photo: Tsafrir Abayov
Residents of south Israel fear another war brewing
Communities surrounding Gaza say death of two soldiers in Gaza Friday, along with continuous rocket fire, may be sign full-blown military conflict nearing. 'We don’t deserve to live like this,' Kfar Aza resident says
Residents of Israel's southern region view the incident in which two soldiers were killed in Gaza Friday, along with the continuous rocket and mortar fire emanating from the Hamas-ruled territory, as a possible prelude to a full-blown war.
"There is a sense that we are on the brink of another war," a member of Kibbutz Kfar Aza told Ynet on Saturday.
"Mortars have been falling here for a week now, just like in Operation Cast Lead," said Orit Arjento, "I am in constant stress; running to the Internet to see if there is any news and debating whether I should close the window or leave it open, because of the mortars.
"Fortunately we have a secure room in our apartment, but still, jumping out of bed and making sure that all of the children made it to the secure room is not easy at age 52," she said.
Prior to the launching of Operation Cast Lead, a mortar landed on the Arjento family home, directly hitting the room of teenage daughter Shir.
"We don’t deserve to live like this," said Orit, who invited 30 guests from all over the country to attend the Pesach Seder.
"I can't tell them (guests) that it is completely safe here. The 'Color Red' alert sounds on occasion," she said.
Yoav Peled, security officer for the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council said, "This is the reality, and we've almost learned to live with it – after eight years (of rocket fire) and after the war.
"There is a sweeping decision not leave the region. I can't say that everyone thinks as I do, but I can say with certainty that since Operation Cast Lead more and more people have relocated to the council's communities; our kibbutzim are full," he said.
