One Israeli was killed and scores injured over the weekend when over 80 rockets were fired by Palestinians in Gaza at southern Israel. On Sunday morning, rockets continued to fall in Beersheba and the western Negev, no injuries were reported. On Saturday night Israel's top government and defense echelon convened to discuss Israel's response to the escalation in events but said Israelis not interested in launching a large scale ground operation in the Gaza Strip but will continue to respond. The Iron Dome missile defense batteries succeeded in intercepting a number of rockets fired at Beersheba, Ofakim, Ashkelon, Ashdod and other areas in the South, but were unable to shoot down all those fired by Palestinians. The rockets hit open areas as well as populated areas, exploding directly on houses and vehicles as well as streets. The Israel Air Force conducted more than 25 sorties over Gaza, pounding suspected terror targets including senior commanders of the Islamic Jihad and Popular Resistance Committee. Palestinians said at least 15 were killed and scores injured in the air strikes. According to assessments, the air force will increase its activities over Gaza possibly hitting targets it had avoided until now, officials said. Military officials described the situation as complicated due to the pending statehood bid by Palestinians next month at the United Nations. All options must be examined before each operation, officials said. Meanwhile the army and police called on residents in the South to remain vigilant and close to shelters and security rooms, and seek immediate shelter in the event of alerts concerning pending rocket attacks.
