The rocket that landed in an open field on erev Shabbos 27 Kislev marked the third to land in the area since the ceasefire agreement that ended Operation Protective Edge. B’chasdei Hashem there were no fatalities or injuries as a result of the attack from Gaza. The sirens did sound in Eshkol Regional Council area communities.

The air force retaliated, eliminating a cement factory, sending a clear message that Hamas’ ongoing efforts to rebuild smuggling tunnels will not be tolerated and Israel will only permit using cement to rebuild homes and schools, not to rehabilitate the terrorist infrastructure.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on motzei Shabbos lit Chanukah candles with IDF soldiers at the Kosel and used the event to speak of the attack. Mr. Netanyahu state the Government of Israel views Hamas as responsible for every rocket attack and any and all escalation of hostilities from Gaza.

“Maoz tzur yeshuasi, but our salvation is also our faith. Today [Shabbos Chanukah] we read in Zechariah 4:6, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by MY spirit’ but the might and the power come from the spirit and the spirit is that of the Maccabees, ‘He that keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.’

Soldiers, I would like to commend you for your contribution to the security of Israel. Israel’s security takes precedence over everything and I will not ignore the firing of even one rocket; therefore, the air force responded to this firing by destroying a cement factory that served to rebuild the tunnels that we hit in Operation Protective Edge. Hamas bears the responsibility for any escalation. We will safeguard Israel’s security.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)