IDF Warns Ashdod it could soon be in Range of Gaza Rocket Fire

Haaretz
December 8, 2008

http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/472/idf-warns-ashdod-it-could-soon-be-in-range

The Israel Defense Forces on Monday advised Ashdod residents to begin preparing themselves for the possibility that their northern Negev city could soon be susceptible to rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, Army Radio reported.

Ashdod, situated just north of the Negev city of Ashkelon, is not considered to be within the current range of Gaza militants' fire.

Ashkelon itself has absorbed both Qassam and longer-range Katyusha fire, but as of now, Ashdod has not been in the line of fire.

But the defense establishment has been concerned of late by rumors that Hamas has acquired rockets with a range of 20 kilometers.

As such, the army's Home Front Command on Monday distributed pamphlets across the city, in which it advised:

"Over recent years southern settlements have been dealing with rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. Considering the possibility that that the rockets may also reach your area of residence, it is very important you begin preparing yourself and your family to contend with these difficulties."

The warnings came a day after the cabinet on Sunday approved Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's proposal to allocate NIS 600 million for the protection of communities located within 4.5 kilometers of the security fence surrounding the Gaza Strip.

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