[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]
The rocket fire from Gaza into southern Israel continues despite repeated Israeli warnings of a 48 hour ultimatum. As Israeli leaders including the prime minister seek to win points with the international community by exercising restraint; southern residents are running for their lives frequently as sirens continue sounding.
Officials continue to warn that Hamas rockets would be met by the force of the IDF but as this is being printed, Hamas is not showing signs of slowing down attacks.
The army announced at 10:00 Sunday morning 8 Tammuz, that 110 rockets and mortar shells were fired into southern Israel since Wednesday, 4 Tammuz.
There were additional rocket attacks Sunday morning and early afternoon:
12:22: Sirens sounded in the Shar HaNegev Council.
12:57: Sirens sounded in the Shar HaNegev Council.
13:12: Sirens sounded in the Ashkelon Coast Council.
13:15: Sirens sounded in the Shar HaNegev Council.
13:51: Sirens sounded in the Eshkol Regional Council.
14:20: Sirens sounded in the Shar HaNegev Council.
14:30: Sirens sounded in the Eshkol Regional Council.
At least nine rockets were fired in the attacked cited above.
B’chasdei Hashem there were no fatalities or injuries. At least one fire broke out as a result of a rocket attack.
At the start of the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday 8 Tammuz, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told the press, “We are working on several fronts simultaneously. Overnight we were active against many Hamas targets in Gaza and the goal of all of our operations is to restore quiet and security to all of Israel’s citizens, especially the residents of the south. Experience proves that at such times we must act responsibly and with equanimity, not hastily. We will do whatever is necessary to restore quiet and security to the south.
“Over the weekend we also took determined action against disturbances in Jerusalem and in Arab communities. We are taking a tough line against anyone who breaks the law and against inciters from whatever side. There is no place in the State of Israel for stone-throwing at police, throwing firebombs, blocking roads or destroying property, or incitement against the very existence of the State of Israel. This rope cannot be held from both ends. One cannot benefit from National Insurance payments and child allowances on the one hand and, on the other, violate the most basic laws of the State of Israel. I call on the leaders of the Arab public to show responsibility and come out against the wave of disturbances in order to restore quiet. Whoever does not abide by the law – will be arrested and punished severely.
“I would like to take the opportunity at this time, on behalf of the government, to send my great appreciation to the police personnel and soldiers for tirelessly dealing with the security of all Israelis.”
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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2 Responses
Any logical reason they should stop if they’ve learned by now that Natanyahu is all talk no action, a spineless leader afraid of his own shadow?
I have a question to the Isreali leadership. Why did create a law to forcibly conscript our Torah scholars into the army. Whats the point of having thousands of more soldiers if you don’t have the guts to use them. Your citizens have been kidnapped, tortured, shot at, murdered, stabbed,terrorized,maimed they have had and continue to have rockets showered upon them and all you do is give statements to the media about how we have to act with caution.You are a despicable disgrace for a leader.I’m sure you realize Isreal’s enemies are out to destroy the country and the only way to stop them is to cut their heads off. The fact that you don’t just shows how you are a weak leader who bows to the wicked Obama. All we could do is to rely on heaven.