In response to the escalation in terrorism, the IDF has stationed an Iron Dome battery in Sderot on Wednesday, 22 Teves 5774.

The rocket intercept system was placed into position less than 24 hours after Rahat resident Salah Abu el-Tial was murdered by sniper fire from Gaza. El-Tial worked for a company that was contracted by the IDF to repair the border fence, which was damaged in the recent winter storm.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu warns Hamas that any rocket fire or attacks directed at Israel from Gaza would be met with a stern IDF retaliation. Following the fatal attack, the IDF retaliated, striking six different terrorist objectives in Gaza. The counter-terrorism assault involved apache helicopters, artillery and infantry forces.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)