Rocket fire from the Gaza Strip continued Saturday night, and police are expressing concern that the current round of fighting could escalate. Police fear that terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip might use weapons that have not yet been seen - long-range rockets that could reach metropolitan Tel Aviv.
The police and the IDF Home Front Command are not taking any chances, and are planning for the worst case scenario. A senior police official told Hebrew daily “Ma’ariv” that there are serious concerns that terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip might use weapons not yet employed. We know that terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip have long-range missiles with a range of 60-70 kilometers that are ready to be launched towards Israel,” he warned.
”The question now is, are they planning to launch them deep into Israeli territory or not? We are preparing for all scenarios, and three of our fronts are on full alert: Tel Aviv, Central Israel, and Jerusalem. The cities of Bat Yam, Holon, Rishon LeZion, Ness Ziona, Rehovot, and Beit Shemesh are also being prepared.”
At this point, it seems that the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip are not interested in using long-range rockets, for fear of a strong Israeli retaliation and even a large-scale military operation.
Over the weekend, more than 100 Grad and Kassam rockets and mortar bombs were fired into Israel. The Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepted more than 30 rockets that were heading for cities. The IDF is continuing its counterattacks in the Gaza Strip. According to Palestinian reports, there have been 16 dead and dozens injured so far.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on March 11, 2012
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