In response to yesterday's attack on Sderot, IDF forces took over some areas in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun, from where the Kassams are often fired, and destroyed two explosives factories in the city.
In addition, in response to the underground attack on the army's Orchan outpost in Gaza, in which Sgt. Ro'i Nissim was killed, the army destroyed two five-story Arab apartment buildings adjacent to the outpost in Gush Katif. The buildings, nicknamed Ami and Tami by the Jewish residents who lived in their shadow, were often used by the terrorists to scout out and carry out attacks against IDF forces, as well as for Hamas propaganda and incitement. The army consulted with legal experts before razing the buildings, which the Palestinian Authority put up as part of a general strategy to build two tall buildings adjacent to every IDF outpost.
Prime Minister Sharon convened a security meeting yesterday to discuss reactions to the two recent fatal attacks. National Security Advisor Gen. Giora Eiland expressed the view that a "price" should be set for the deaths of Israelis, even if this requires bombing targets in Gaza. Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Moshe Yaalon and the head of IDF Intelligence took a more cautious approach. At Sharon's behest, the army is now seeking an "appropriate response."
Police Chief Shlomo Aharonishki ordered an increase in the number of policemen in Sderot for the coming days. "This is a time when the citizens need to see the police around," he said.
National Religious Party leader MK Effie Eitam visited Sderot and Sderot Mayor Eli Moyal this morning to show support for the town. Asked his opinion of politicians who visit the town during times of trouble, express sympathy and then quickly leave, Moyal said, "Effie Eitam is not one of those. He is a true friend of Sderot, someone who will return your call even at 1 AM." Prime Minister Sharon is scheduled to visit the city this afternoon, and Moyal had words of warning for him as well:
"If people start leaving Sderot, then the State of Israel has nothing left to offer. A country has to provide its citizens, wherever they are, with basic needs. We knew all along that this was what was going to happen; the writing was on the wall. The rockets are fired not merely to land, but to kill. The fact that we had miracles for three years changes nothing... The State of Israel is acting unilaterally, carrying out illogical moves, and conducting dialogue with itself."
In addition, in response to the underground attack on the army's Orchan outpost in Gaza, in which Sgt. Ro'i Nissim was killed, the army destroyed two five-story Arab apartment buildings adjacent to the outpost in Gush Katif. The buildings, nicknamed Ami and Tami by the Jewish residents who lived in their shadow, were often used by the terrorists to scout out and carry out attacks against IDF forces, as well as for Hamas propaganda and incitement. The army consulted with legal experts before razing the buildings, which the Palestinian Authority put up as part of a general strategy to build two tall buildings adjacent to every IDF outpost.
Prime Minister Sharon convened a security meeting yesterday to discuss reactions to the two recent fatal attacks. National Security Advisor Gen. Giora Eiland expressed the view that a "price" should be set for the deaths of Israelis, even if this requires bombing targets in Gaza. Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Moshe Yaalon and the head of IDF Intelligence took a more cautious approach. At Sharon's behest, the army is now seeking an "appropriate response."
Police Chief Shlomo Aharonishki ordered an increase in the number of policemen in Sderot for the coming days. "This is a time when the citizens need to see the police around," he said.
National Religious Party leader MK Effie Eitam visited Sderot and Sderot Mayor Eli Moyal this morning to show support for the town. Asked his opinion of politicians who visit the town during times of trouble, express sympathy and then quickly leave, Moyal said, "Effie Eitam is not one of those. He is a true friend of Sderot, someone who will return your call even at 1 AM." Prime Minister Sharon is scheduled to visit the city this afternoon, and Moyal had words of warning for him as well:
"If people start leaving Sderot, then the State of Israel has nothing left to offer. A country has to provide its citizens, wherever they are, with basic needs. We knew all along that this was what was going to happen; the writing was on the wall. The rockets are fired not merely to land, but to kill. The fact that we had miracles for three years changes nothing... The State of Israel is acting unilaterally, carrying out illogical moves, and conducting dialogue with itself."