‘Errant’ Mortar Shell Hits Israeli Building, But Doesn’t Explode

Israeli security officials were investigating the source of a mortar shell that penetrated a building in the Eshkol Regional Council, but b’derech nes did not explode. The shell entered the building and caused damage. No injuries were reported.

It’s not clear where the shell was fired from, but security officials said that it may have been accidentally fired by Egyptian soldiers who were seeking to attack bands of terrorists and smugglers operating near the Sinai border fence. If the shell had indeed been fired by Egypt, it would be the second time in recent weeks that that has happened, local officials said. Officials are also investigating if the the shell was fired by Gaza Arab terrorists.

Overnight Monday, security officials said they arrested 12 wanted security suspects in other areas in Yehudah and Shomron. The suspects were wanted for participating in rioting and throwing stones and firebombs that endangered Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. Several of the suspects were also charged with belonging to Hamas. All were being questioned on their activities by security forces.