With Grad Katyusha rockets being fired deeper into Israel, reaching Ashkelon, Ofakim, Gan Yavne and municipalities further north from Gaza, the IDF has ordered the closure of all schools from 7 kilometers (4.2 miles) up to 40 kilometers (24 miles) from the Gaza border. The reason communities closer to the border continue with school is they are fortified to the extent that they are prepared for the current situation and can have school without placing children in danger.

Residents of the 7-40km areas are instructed by IDF Homefront Command officials to remain in safe rooms, resulting in approximately 1 million residents placing their lives on hold due to renewed warfare from Hamas-controlled Gaza. This follows a Shabbos of rocket fire, and senior military officials are signaling the current round of warfare is not expected to halt today.

The IDF stands ready and a ground forces incursion into Gaza can be launched if such an order is given. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz has been aware of the situation and acting on military intelligence recommendations, troops have been readied for any eventuality. The air force continues to pound terrorists targets in Gaza in retaliation for rocket fire as well as hitting terrorists prior to launching rockets. Apache combat helicopter gunships are using their advanced capabilities to strike terrorists from a distance. While terrorists cannot see the choppers the radar systems can detect an imminent rocket launch and neutralize the terrorists.

At the time being it does not appear that Israel plans to send ground forces into Gaza but this could change at a moment’s notice, depending on any rocket attack and the consequences of an attack. B’chasdei Hashem despite the continuous attacks injuries have been at a minimum as the Iron Dome system intercepts the katyusha rockets fired at major population centers, such as Beersheva, Ashdod and Ashkelon.

Police Chief Yonatan Danino has raised the level of operational status throughout the country as a result of the attacks in the south of the country. Danino has also canceled a right-wing march that was planned in Nazareth due to the emergency situation.

This morning, Sunday, 17 Adar 5772, there have already been a number of rockets fired into the Eshkol Regional Council area as well as rockets fired at Ashkelon. The Iron Dome system intercepted the rockets in the latter attack. The katyusha rockets fired in the earlier attack landed in an open area. While the Iron Dome has unquestionably saved lives, it is not expected to intercept all rockets fired at cities. One rocket that landed in a soccer field in Ashdod resulted in significant damage. Baruch Hashem, there were no injuries or loss of life.

The current round of fighting with Gazan terrorists began about an hour before Shabbos. IDF officials confirm at least 16 terrorists have been killed since the fighting began. Dozens of others have been injured.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)