Southern area factories over recent years lost an estimated NIS 100 million as a direct and indirect result of rocket attacks. Now, the IDF Homefront Command ordered 80 factories shut due to the ongoing military operation in Gaza. This will result in a loss of NIS 4 million a day for the factories. All the factories are located within a 4.5km range of Gaza, Gaza-belt communities.

In the 30km from Gaza border range; there are 250 factories in 100 communities. Minister of Industry & Trade Eli Yishai on Saturday signed an emergency order permitting essential factories to call up workers as it deems necessary under the nation�s emergency laws intended to ensure the continuation of essential services.

That means workers afraid to report to work may be compelled to do so.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)