Thursday, December 18, 2008

Negev Roulette Continues


Hana Levi Julian Negev Roulette Continues

Gaza terrorists continued to fire mortars and launch rockets at Jewish communities in the western Negev on Thursday despite targeted air strikes by Israel Air Force pilots overnight in Jabaliya and Khan Younis. As they had a day earlier, terrorists launched their first attack of the morning just as children were setting out for school and adults were preparing to leave for work. A second attack came at about 11:00 a.m., with a third launching picked up by the Color Red incoming alert system shortly after 1:00 p.m.

One Gaza Belt community member approached by Israel National News for a comment on the situation asked not only not to be identified, but also requested that her community not be identifed as well. She explained that media coverage gives the terrorists a better strategic understanding of where their rockets land, thereby allowing them to adjust their aim for the next round. "Talking about the situation isn't going to change it," she said.

Seven Kassam rockets were fired at various targets ranging from the immediate Gaza Belt region to further out into the western Negev. At least one of the rockets reached slightly south of the port city of Ashkelon. Five mortar shells were also fired at the western Negev overnight. There were no reports of injuries or damage.

On Wednesday, at least 22 missiles struck southern Israel, causing widespread damage and injuring several people as well. One of the rockets exploded in the parking lot of a supermarket in Sderot. Three people suffered shrapnel wounds and seven others were treated for severe traumatic shock.

In retaliation, IAF pilots flew out on raids late Wednesday night to destroy an ammunition warehouse in the northern Gaza town of Jabaliya, and a rocket factory in the town of Khan Younis, located in the southern part of the region. No terrorists were wounded in either strike, although extensive damage was reported.

At least one terrorist was reported killed in an air strike carried out earlier in the day.

The crossings into Gaza have remained closed since Tuesday, when Defense Minister Ehud Olmert ordered them sealed in response to the escalation in rocket fire emanating from the region.

The Islamic Jihad terrorist organization said in a statement Wednesday morning that it "would not allow the 'truce' to be renewed" when it officially expires on Friday "due to the constant Israeli aggression, the closing of crossings and the intensification of the blockade."
Comment: These attacks will only intensify-Israel will wait until a major event to return fire. The "game" is on and we are failing.

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