A fourth Grad Katyusha rocket has slammed into Beersheva, once again hitting a populated area. No injuries are being reported at this time.

Experts explain Beersheva is not ready for the current reality, warfare, with the first rocket striking just last night and now, the capital of the Negev is on the front line.

There is no citywide public address system and as such, sirens are not heard around the city. Residents are instructed to tune radios to 97FM to hear sirens on the radio.

There was confusion regarding Ben-Gurion University, which opened on Wednesday morning and quickly realizing the Homefront Command ordered the institution closed. Baruch Hashem schools are closed today, with one rocket slamming into an empty school building.

At least 20 rockets have been launched since the morning, striking Beersheva and the surrounding area, the western Negev and areas south of Ashkelon.

It appears Hamas is taking advantage of the heavy rain, which makes tracking the rocket-launching sites increasingly difficult. The badly-needed rain also complicates a ground forces operation at this time and the IDF would prefer to wait a day or two until the rains subside.

AS WE GO TO PRINT: A Grad Katyusha rocket slammed into a hotel. A fire is being reported.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)