Despite the Hamas-declared ceasefire, rocket attacks into southern Israel continue. Many Israelis continue to call on the government to order a serious military operation to bring a halt to the new reality, constant rocket attacks against southern civilian population centers. The Political-Security Cabinet on Sunday announced a major ground forces incursion would not be ordered at this time, but added Israel will respond to any and all rocket attacks and “acts of aggression”.

On Monday night the cabinet met for four hours, deciding the best policy at present is restraint while remaining vigilant, accepting the prime minister’s opinion that at present, Israel lacks the support of the international community for a major ground forces incursion into Gaza.

Following is a timeline beginning on Monday evening:

19:33 – 4 rockets land in an open area in the Gaza border area. No injuries were reported. Earlier in the evening, the head of the army’s Homefront Command ordered southern areas to step down from the high alert status and return to normal daily routines.

20:45 – Rockets land in a Yishuv located in the Gaza border area, resulting in a large brushfire. Ashkelon area firefighters responded. No injuries were reported.

21:44 – Rocket launch detected. No injuries reported 

23:49 – Rockets launched into southern Israel landed in an open area. No injuries were reported.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)