Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin announced Monday that a special Knesset session Tuesday will include deliberations on the recent wave of attacks from Gaza. MKs will debate possible responses, including a large-scale counter-terror offensive.
The session was originally called to debate the cost of living. However, several MKs asked Rivlin to change the agenda following attacks near Eilat on Thursday and the subsequent Hamas rocket offensive on southern Israel.
In addition to discussing Israel's response to the attacks, MKs will discuss homefront preparedness, and the issue of shielding hospitals and schools from rocket attacks.
The issues which the session was intended to address – in particular, the ongoing protests over the cost of living – will remain on the agenda as well.
The Finance Committee will also debate the situation in the south; specifically, the question of building a specially reinforced emergency room for Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, and of protection for schools in Ashkelon and Be'er Sheva.
The school year is set to start next week, but students in the south remain unsure if they will be able to attend classes, as many buildings do not meet the Homefront Command's standards for a safe learning environment under rocket fire.