While the IDF’s Homefront Command has not issued any specific instructions to southern community residents, they have been instructed to remain on alert. Following the IDF retaliatory strikes into Gaza by air, artillery and ground forces earlier, Israel does expect Hamas to strike back in the form of rocket attacks aimed at Israeli civilian communities.

Channel 2 News reports that IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz has the next wave of targets ready if the need arises for another round of counter-terror strikes in Gaza. Most experts feel that Hamas will not permit it to end here. Channel 2 News veteran correspondent Roni Daniel announced that Hamas a short time ago announced that from its perspective, the period of calm with Israel has come to an end – perhaps signaling the next round of warfare between Hamas and Israel has begun.

In Ashkelon, Iron Dome batteries are moving into place as security forces are not taking chances. The IDF Spokesman earlier this evening, Tuesday 21 Teves 5774 Tweeted “There are ~10,000 rockets in Gaza, pointed directly at Israeli civilians. Most can reach Tel Aviv – putting millions of Israelis in danger”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)