Residents of one of the nearby kibbutzim in the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council immediately reported of a loud explosion heard in the area, however a Color Red Alert was not activated. Security forces who investigated the source of the explosion concluded it was a Qassam rocket that had landed on the Palestinian side of the fence.
Earlier on Tuesday, the prime minister toured Ashkelon and Sderot. During his visit, Netanyahu issued a warning to Hamas about firing at Israel. "Our commitment is first and foremost to security and I advise Hamas and other organizations not to test our resolve to react with fire," Netanyahu said in Ashkelon, where he was presented with missile particles launched at the city.
During his visit in the south, Netanyahu stated that his warnings have reduced the number of missiles launched from Gaza. "I have determined that rocket fire warrants an immediate response, and this has reduced the fire. We responded to recent shooting by hitting Hamas targets, including a senior Hamas official. We will continue with this policy."