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Iron Dome in action
Photo: Gil Taub
Ashkelon resident Genia Garnitzki
Photo: Tsafrir Abayov

Ashkelon calls for IDF operation in Gaza

Many of southern city's residents demand swift, extensive military campaign in Strip, say 'It's time to follow through' on Cast Lead

Many Ashkelon residents called on the Israeli government Sunday to take extensive military action against the Gaza terror groups, which fired dozens of rockets on southern Israel and the city this past weekend.

 

Despite a few successful intercepts fo the rockets by the Iron Dome system, many residents still believe an extensive ground operation against Hamas is the only way to bring peace to the south.

 

Local shop owners expected their stores to be filled with holiday shoppers preparing for Passover, however many businesses stood empty this past week.

 

"We can't live like this," said Osnat Levi, an Ashkelon resident. "I see no other choice but for the IDF to lead a military operation, because we're not protected at all."


 

Osnat Levi. 'No protection' (Photo: Tsafrir Abayov)

 

Another resident, Golan Halevi, believes the IDF did not do a thorough job during Operation Cast Lead a couple of years ago. "I'm convinced another military operation is obligatory and it's time they follow through this time."

 

Genia Garnitzki, a local resident, agreed. "I think the situations calls for military action. We can't leave things as they are."

 

Solve situation with negotiations

Meanwhile some residents still believe the Iron Dome System is capable of resolving the tense situation. "It's doing a good job so far," said local Gal Batito. "They need to bring in two or three more batteries and position them around the city. A military operation can lead to horrible repercussions for Ashkelon."

 

"The alarms and rockets are causing damage to the city and to our businesses. We feel it, but I believe that instead of going to war we should solve the situation by negotiating."

 

The anti-tank missile attack from the Gaza Strip at a bus driving near the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council last Thursday left many Gaza vicinity communities' children shaken up. Nearly 300 kids were taken to Kibbutz Tzova near Jerusalem, as a way to provide them with a stress free pre-Passover vacation.

 

Eshkol Regional Council Youth Division Director Adva Portal-Cohen said, "the trip was planned ahead of time but it turned out to work very well during this time of crisis." She added that a few other children were sent to Neot Kedumim near Modiin.

 

Ilana Curiel contributed to the report

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 04.10.11, 15:13
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