Sunday will mark one year since the launch of the counter-terrorism offensive in Gaza last year known as Operation Cast Lead. While the situation in southern Israel since the operation has improved significantly, it is far from acceptable. Intelligence community experts report Hamas is busy stockpiling weapons and training for the next round of warfare with Israel.

According to government statistics, since the military operation, 125 rockets were fired into southern Israel along with 70 mortar shells. In 2008, there were over 3,000 rockets and mortars, and while southern area residents are grateful, most feel it is just a matter of time until they come under attack again.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)