(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

In the accompanying photos, one can see incendiary balloon bombs, with one near Kibbutz Rosh Tzurim in the Gush Etzion area and the second far away, in Beersheva.

Attacks from Gaza using these balloons and incendiary kites are becoming increasingly frequent, and they are being used elsewhere too, as seen in the Rosh Tzurim area photo.

Israel continues issuing warnings to Hamas, that if the escalation continues, the price to be paid will be significant and painful. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Tuesday, 7 Marcheshvan, announced the time has come to deliver a “heavy blow” to Hamas.

In addition, a rocket launched from Gaza during the predawn hours Wednesday made a direct hit on a home in Beersheva. B’chasdei Hashem, there were no fatalities or injuries. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gadi Eizenkott cut his New York trip short and canceled a number of meetings, returning home in light of the escalation in Hamas warfare.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)