Israel Responds as Gaza Terrorists Continue Rocket Fire

IDF forces struck back late Motzoei Shabbos after Gaza Arab terrorists fired a rocket at the southern Negev Shabbos morning. The rocket exploded in an open area. No injuries or damage were reported. The Red Alert early-warning system sounded, sending residents of numerous towns scurrying for shelter. A second rocket was fired as well, but apparently fell inside Gaza, Israeli officials said.

IDF planes struck Hamas targets in northern Gaza. In a statement, the IDF said that it considered Hamas responsible for all terror incidents emanating from Gaza. This was the eighth time in recent weeks that the Red Alert system was sounded, with residents demanding that the IDF do something to prevent further missile attacks, which disrupt the daily flow of life.

Late Friday, Border Guard officers opened fire on terrorists who were throwing firebombs on Road 60, south of Efrat in Gush Etzion. According to Palestinian Authority sources, one of the terrorists was killed.

The IDF and Homefront Security Ministry will be holding a major security drill in the Negev. In a statement, the Ministry said that the drill had been planned many months ago, and was not being held in response to the increased tension in the region or any specific threats.