More Iron Dome batteries deployed in light of renewed rocket fire
Security officials decided last week to deploy air defense system batteries in Ashdod, Netivot, Ashkelon and Beersheba.
By YASSER OKBI/ MAARIV HASHAVUASoldiers stand next to an Iron Dome battery.(photo credit: REUTERS)
In light of recent regeneration of rocket fire on southern Israeli communities, security officials decided last week to deploy four Iron Dome air defense system batteries in Ashdod, Netivot, Ashkelon and Beersheba.On Thursday night, rocket alert sirens sounded in Ashkelon and surrounding communities warning of a possible projectile attack.Although the projectile failed to reach Israeli territory landing instead in the Gaza Strip, a Salafi group affiliated with Islamic State took responsibility for the failed attempt.The same organization also claimed responsibility for rocket fire at the South last Saturday. In both cases their were no injuries or damage.Meanwhile, in Gaza widespread deployment of Hamas forces have been reported as trying to prevent other groups from firing rockets at Israel.Last December, signs emerged that the extremist group Islamic State, formerly known as ISIS, had operatives in Gaza and were in possession of advanced weapons.A sources close to the Salafi movement told a Gaza news site that the organization garnered members from different groups, including some returning from fighting in the Syrian civil war.The sources added that Islamic State-linked operatives in the coastal Palestinian enclave work in increasing secrecy for fear of persecution by Hamas or by Israeli security and intelligence forces.
