Significant Security Situation Escalates in Israel's South Today

The Jewish Federation Israel Office is reporting a serious escalation of rocket attacks in Israel's south today. Since Tuesday night, October 23, over 70 rockets have been shot at southern Israel from Gaza, with roughly equal amounts landing in the Eshkol and Lachish regions.

It has been reported that two people have been critically injured and three lightly injured. Five homes have been hit and school has been cancelled in the south, with those living within 10 miles of Gaza instructed to remain in bomb shelters the whole time. Iron Dome, the IDF's missile defense system, has successfully intercepted the eight Grad rockets which were headed towards Ashkelon.

In response to the attacks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said, "Israel will retaliate heavily to this terror."

In a later statement, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, stated: “If we need a ground operation there will be a ground operation. We will do whatever necessary to stop this…. No person or group who harmed Israel will remain unscathed." The IDF has since conducted air strikes over Gaza.

This spate of attacks comes in the middle of a national emergency drill, designed to deal with rocket attacks among other threats. Such security pressures are likely to play a large part in the voting patterns of southern Israel's residents. Around 900 rockets have hit Israel since the start of 2012.

The Jewish Federation of San Diego County and our partners in Sha'ar HaNegev have built a school in the south that is rocket resistant, can sustain these kind of attacks, and keep Israeli children safe. Your donation to Federation makes it all possible. Read more about the importance of this project here.

Our Israel office is keeping a close watch on the situation, and will provide updates as they become available.

For further information see:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4296374,00.html

http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-strikes-target-in-gaza/