Rocket-proof train to serve as regular train's 'bodyguard' near Gaza
Train traveling near Gaza faces rocket threat, so instead of fortifying Israel's entire train fleet, gov't offers original solution: A rocket-proof train which will travel alongside regular train, serving as its bodyguard.
The National Security Council has proposed an unusual solution to protecting passenger trains on a portion of track near the Gaza Strip by Kibbutz Erez. According to the initiative, every time a train reaches the exposed area it will be escorted by an armored train running on a parallel track.
An official familiar with the proposal told Ynet, "the aim is to continue to operate the rail line to Sderot even in times of emergency."
The fortified train will serve as the regular line's 'bodyguard' until it leaves harms' way, from which point the line will continue on its way.
In recent weeks, a pilot has been conducted in a different part of the country and additional testing is expected before the project can be authorized.
"It is a quick soluition which can easly be implemented to provide maximum security for train-goers," the official said, adding, however, that "it will lead to delays in some of the trains' schedule as it will block the second track, but it is better than a complete shutdown," which is what would happen should a rocket hit the line.
During Operation Protective Edge, the train in the Gaza area was put on hold, amid fears of a targeted rocket attacks on the train from Gaza militants, and Hamas has even published videos showing the Sderot train line exposed from Gaza. In 2011, a rocket hit a school bus, killing a 16-year-old.
