Mayors of cities in the central region are gearing up to prepare their residents for the possibility that they may also have to head for bomb shelters in the near future.
We don't want to induce panic, but we want to be prepared.
In wake of the security situation and the expansion of the “special situation” which was announced in many communities in southern Israel, the region's municipalties have started an information campaign explaining to their constituents to get their bomb shelters ready -- just in case.
Tel Aviv municipal inspectors Thursday morning began attaching to hundreds of skyscrapers emergency instructions on how to prepare bomb shelters. "We don't want to induce panic, but we do want to be prepared," said the head of Tel Aviv's municipal security committee.
The cities of Rishon LeTzion and Rehovot aren't taking chances, either. The website of the Rishon LeTzion municipality states, “Due to the security situation in southern Israel, Rishon LeTzion residents are requested to clear out the shelters and get them ready. This is in spite of the fact that we do not have information regarding any actual threat to our city. The residents are likewise requested to maintain high vigilance and to be prepared as necessary for any possible situation. For additional details, you may contact the municipal switchboard by dialing 106.”
The Rehovot municipality’s website states, “The Home Front has determined that Rehovot is not situated within range of rockets. Nonetheless, the municipality has reviewed its policies in the event of an emergency.”
Be’er Sheva is about 26 miles from Gaza. Ashdod, Israel's second largest port, is 23 miles from the barrier, while Kiryat Malachi, also struck by terrorist missiles, is located 18 miles from the Gaza border. The range of Hamas rockets has significantly increased since the IDF’s Operation Cast Lead began.
Even the city of Rehovot has begun preparing for possible attacks, despite being currently located beyond Hamas' range. Rehovot is located approximately 27 miles from Gaza.
Distance from Gaza to Major Cities in Israel (in order of distance):
• Ashkelon 20 km/13 miles
• Kiryat Malachi 28 km/18 miles
• Ashdod 31 km/20 miles
• Be’er Sheva 40 km/26 miles
• Rehovot 42 km/27 miles
• Rishon LeTzion 58 km/38 miles
• Tel Aviv 68 km/44 miles
• Jerusalem 74 km/48 miles