The incendiary kites and balloon bombs were first fired into southern Israel exclusively from Gaza, landing in fields of Gaza border communities. Then, there were reports that balloons made it as far as Beersheva. These low-tech attacks have resulted in a great deal of damage to agricultural fields, and have been extremely costly, in damage as well as the manpower involved in fighting the daily fires.

Following attacks from Gaza, we have reported there has already been one launched from PA controlled Beit Jala, into the southern Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo.

Now, on Monday, 25 Menachem Av, there are reports that kits of this nature were launched into the Shomron communities of Har Bracha and Yitzhar, presumably launched from neighboring Arab villages or PA (Palestine Authority) occupied Shechem. One of the kites landed near a winery on Har Gerizim. No significant damage was reported.

Commenting on the attack, the head of the Shomron Regional Council Yossi Dayan, who explained that the topography of the Shomron is not at all similar to the Gaza area, and kites launched as they are will in most cases land in Arab fields. In short, he laughed off the attack.

Sadly, and perhaps foolishly, he played them down, seemingly unbothered by the attacks, which history has proven will only escalate until there are injuries or even loss of life chas v’sholom.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)