In response to the predawn rocket fire and an additional attack this morning, Wednesday, 8 Marcheshvan, and the increase in incendiary balloon and kite attacks, schools have been closed in communities along the Gaza border. The decision was made in consultation with IDF Homefront Command officers.

Officials in the Ashkelon Coast and S’dot Negev Regional Council announce schools will remain closed in Yad Mordechai, Chofim, Shikma, and other areas. In the Ashkelon Coast council, kindergartens and daycare centers will operate beginning at 10:00AM.

In the S’dot Negev council, kindergartens, daycare centers and all schools have been canceled, along with all afternoon programs and other official council activities for the children.

Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman this week called to deliver a “heavy blow” to Hamas, calling on the cabinet to stop waiting and to take action to bring a halt to daily attacks and to restore Israel’s deterrence.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in a short while will hold a high-level security briefing including Defense Minister Lieberman, the Deputy IDF Chief of Staff, the National Security Advisor, head of the Shin Bet and senior commanders. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gadi Eizenkott is on his way back home from New York, where he cut his visit short in light of the escalation in attacks from Gaza.

The attached video, from Arab sources, claims to show the terror cell that was targeted earlier while the terrorists were trying to launch another rocket from Gaza into Israel.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)