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Past rocket damage in Sderot (file)
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| By israelinsider staff May 20, 2007 |
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The continual rocket attacks plaguing Israel's south were finally declared a "special Home Front situation" by Defense Minister Amir Peretz Sunday, as the attacks are likely to continue in the near future.
"The conflict could continue for a while", Peretz said on Sunday, "and we need to change the situation for the residents around the Gaza Strip."
This change in status could help compensate southern Israeli residents who have suffered damages to their property and livelihoods due to the rocket barrage.
According to police, 125 rockets have been launched into southern Israel since the latest string of attacks began Tuesday, terrorizing citizens with an average of 20 rockets per day.
At least nine Qassams have already fallen in the southern city of Sderot today. One landed in a yard, empty at the time, and another hit traffic lights in a busy intersection. Professionals diffused another rocket that landed in the city center but failed to explode. Eight residents were treated for shock.
The state of emergency declaration came only after Sderot Mayor Eli Moyal demanded that the government declare it, and take responsibility for the security of its citizens.
"Our message to the residents of Sderot and the Gaza vicinity communities this morning is one: The Israeli government is with you and will do all it takes to help you," stated Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Sunday.
"We as a government are responsible for the well-being and safety of the Gaza vicinity residents," stated Olmert. "In the past five years the government invested about NIS 1 billion in the security reinforcement of the communities. Some NIS 300 million have been invested in the fortification of education institutions."
This government action was apparently viewed as insufficient and delayed, as a group of local businessmen rallied in Sderot to protest the town's struggling financial situation.
"Unfortunately, only after dozens of Qassam rockets and thousands of residents who have left Sderot, the government only now understands that there is a state of emergency in Sderot," said one Sderot activist, Alon Davidi.
In response to mounting criticism of the governments inaction and Russian-Israeli tycoon Arcadi Gaydamak's promise to reinforce homes in the area, Olmert stressed that the decision to fortify houses was "the Israeli government's only," and pledged to counteract current delays.
Peretz censured Gaydamak's recent efforts in the western Negev, accusing him of abandoning the 500 residents he had removed to Be'er Sheva.
"I'm not competing with any billionaire," he stated, adding that the government was also removing citizens to recreation facilities in Ashdod and Netanyah.
Peretz also assured Sunday that the military operations in Gaza were successful, saying "The forces are operating to reduce the Qassam rocket fire, as well as detect tunnels or explosives on the border." |
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