Well over 120 rockets have been fired at Israel since erev Shabbos and Baruch Hashem there has not been any loss of life or serious injuries. Many rockets are landing in open areas in the southern district, which includes the mortar shells and Kassam rockets, while the longer range potentially more deadly Grad katyusha rockets are being downed in midair by the Iron Dome defense system. No one is minimizing the severity of the warfare taking place in the south, but many simply chalk up the current situation to the capabilities of the Iron Dome, painfully unaware of the Yad Hashem that is reaching out to protect residents from the rocket fire.
The Iron Dome rocket defense system is performing as expected, resulting in katyusha rockets being downed in midair before they can impact in Israeli population centers. As a result, for many, IDF Homefront Command officials fear some residents are becoming too complacent and may chas v’sholom stray from Homefront instructions regarding remaining in proximity to a safe room or shelter.
Israel Radio reports that at least 17 terrorists have been killed in total as a result of IAF sorties over Gaza, carrying targeted strikes to eliminate terrorists responsible for rocket fire into Israel.
IDF Southern District Homefront Commander Colonel Doron Mor-Yosef reports that the military is in control, pleased with the performance of the Iron Dome but warning residents to remain vigilant and to comply with operational instructions for residents of cities and municipalities in rocket range.
When asked if area schools will remain closed tomorrow, Monday, 18 Adar, the colonel explained such a decision will only be made later in the day or during the night after the situation is reevaluated, stressing the decision will always be made on the side of being too cautious towards keeping the children out of harm’s way.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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May Hashem continue, in His great kindness, to watch over all Yidden, especially in Eretz Yisroel. And may Hashem continue to allow the Israelis to keep killing more and more of those monsters.