Nearing 3,600: That's the amount of mortar shells, Kassam rockets and other missiles fired by Palestinian terrorists at Jewish targets in and around Gush Katif in the past three years of Oslo Warfare. The latest one was fired this morning towards an IDF outpost near Gush Katif; no one was hurt, and IDF soldiers returned fire.
In response to reports that Netzarim - a relatively isolated Jewish town of 65 families north of Gush Katif - is on Sharon's chopping block, the residents are quite calm. Rabbi Tzion Tawil of Netzarim said that his community is an important symbol, in the same way that Tel Chai was once a symbol of heroism and defense of a Jewish community in the Land of Israel. Many army commanders have noted the strategic importance of Netzarim, and Rabbi Tawil quoted former Southern Commander Gen. Doron Almog who said that Netzarim in Gaza is like the State of Israel in the entire Middle East. "If, Heaven forbid, Netzarim should fall," Rabbi Tawil said, "other towns are liable to fall in its wake."
In response to reports that Netzarim - a relatively isolated Jewish town of 65 families north of Gush Katif - is on Sharon's chopping block, the residents are quite calm. Rabbi Tzion Tawil of Netzarim said that his community is an important symbol, in the same way that Tel Chai was once a symbol of heroism and defense of a Jewish community in the Land of Israel. Many army commanders have noted the strategic importance of Netzarim, and Rabbi Tawil quoted former Southern Commander Gen. Doron Almog who said that Netzarim in Gaza is like the State of Israel in the entire Middle East. "If, Heaven forbid, Netzarim should fall," Rabbi Tawil said, "other towns are liable to fall in its wake."