A total of 11 rockets were fired from Gaza at southern Israel during the morning hours. The Iron Dome system intercepted most of the incoming rockets. The IAF a few minutes ago launched another retaliatory strike over Gaza, killing a 52-year-old male.

Israel Radio reports the air force carried out 21 strikes over Gaza since erev Shabbos. Targets included terrorists, terror cells about to fire rockets and weapons/ammunition storage facilities.

Israel Manufacturers Association officials’ reports all plans in rocket range areas are fortified and operating today.

UPDATE ON THE VICTIMS

Five of 31 people admitted to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva remain hospitalized at this time. This includes a foreign worker who sustained facial and abdominal injuries. He is now out of intensive care.

An elderly man who fell from his bicycle and fractured a hand or arm will be getting out of hospital today or tomorrow.

A woman who sustained facial injuries is being discharged tomorrow, Monday, 18 Adar.

A woman in her 35th week of pregnancy with twins is doing well and she remains under observation.

HOMEFRONT COMMAND WEBSITES

English – click here. Hebrew – click here.  Russian – click here.

DEFENSE MINISTRY UPDATE

Defense Ministry officials report that 16 terrorists have been killed and 20 injured since the fighting began on erev Shabbos. A 14-year-old male was also killed.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak reports that the Iron Dome systems have downed 30 katyusha rockets.

ROUTE 12

Route 12 in the Eilat area which was recently reopened following its closure after the terrorist attack during the summer was closed once again due to the current situation in S. Israel.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)