Rocket fire from Gaza into Israel has been ongoing, although the news has been foreshadowed by the national crisis of three teenagers kidnapped by Hamas.
Two rockets were fired Sunday night from Gaza into Ashkelon. The rockets were intercepted, but the shrapnel caused damage to property.
In response to the continuous rocket fire from Gaza, the Israel Air Force targeted a center of terrorist activity and three weapons caches in the Gaza Strip. Accurate hits were registered.
In the past 14 days, 11 rockets were fired at Israel, out of which six hit Israeli territories. Since the beginning of 2014, over 200 rockets were launched from Gaza at Israeli communities, twice the number that was shot during 2013.
An IDF spokesman announced that the IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm the citizens of Israel and will operate decisively against any acts of terrorism.
Arabs Open Fire in Judea and Samaria
In a separate incident, Arabs opened fire on a checkpoint on a main route near the tunnel road leading to Gush Etzion, the area from where three boys were abducted on Thursday evening. No one was injured in the attack.
Initial reports indicate that the shots were fired in a drive-by from a white Subaru. Police have reportedly identified the car and are in pursuit.
Five bullet casings from a pistol have been found near the IDF post at the checkpoint, near the turnoff to the village of Wallaja.
Police and IDF forces declared a high alert for the area. The main highway, Road 60, and nearby communities were temporarily closed, while searches continue.
Author: Aryeh Savir, Tazpit News Agency