Military officials reported on Wednesday that they successfully tested the Iron Dome (Kippat HaBarzel) rocket defense system, a system designed to provide a solution to an array of short-range rockets and mortar shells fired into southern Israel from Hamas-controlled Gaza.

The announcement comes amid renewed mortar fire from Gaza on Thursday. At least ten mortar rockets landed in southern areas. Baruch Hashem, no injuries are reported. Israel stopped the transfer of goods via the crossing in a retaliatory move, resulting in a backlog of trucks in the area.

Gazans report IDF artillery responded to the attacks, striking the Jabalya area. IDF officials deny the accuracy of those reports. IDF officials report however that leaflets were dropped over Gaza warning residents to distance themselves from weapons smuggling tunnels in the Rafiach area. The leaflets call for remaining at least 300 meters from the border fence, and those in violation place themselves ‘at risk’.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)