Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Thursday extended the ‘special zone’ as he calls it to the 40km (24 miles) marker, measuring from the northern Gaza border, to include Beersheva, Yavne and neighboring areas.

The directive from the defense minister in essence releases local government from much of the decision-making and responsibility for the safety and security of residents, placing it in the hands of the defense minister and his agents. It also comes packaged with a growing list of restrictions intended to prevent injuries and loss of life to residents of rocket-stricken areas.

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(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)