In light of ongoing escalation in rocket fire from Gaza into southern Israel, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday 8 Cheshvan 5773 announced he has approved additional funding to expand the program to fortify homes and buildings in southern Israel against attacks.

On a day in which some 80 rockets and mortar shells were fired into southern areas, Mr. Netanyahu announced the nation is stepping up the defensive effort, not exactly what most southern area residents wanted to hear. There is an audible cry calling for a major military incursion into Gaza to “finish these guys up once and for all” but at present, the prime minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are making due with verbal warnings to terrorists.

The prime minister conferred with Barak and it appears they are going to fund fortifying an additional 1,700 homes situated in the 4.5-7 kilometer area from the Gaza border. At present, the heavy fortification exists in the communities up to 4.5 kilometers from the border. In addition, the decision was made to fortify all school up to 40 kilometers (24 miles) from the border.

Netanyahu and Barak both warned Gaza-based terrorists that if the rocket fire continues, they will pay a heavy price. They also stated “we know how to respond and this will be done at the time and place we choose”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)