BICOM

The Israeli home front is bracing itself for continued rocket attacks after the Tel Aviv area was targeted for the first time during the conflict yesterday. Since the beginning of the operation three days ago, over 300 rockets have been fired at Israel, including two Fajr-5 rockets that reached the outskirts of Tel Aviv yesterday triggering air raid sirens across the city. A rocket landed in the city of Rishon LeZion yesterday, only 12 km from central Tel Aviv. After a relatively quiet night in Israel two further Grad rockets landed in Ashdod this morning.  So far three Israelis have been killed, in a single strike yesterday.

The Iron Dome anti-missile defence system has reportedly intercepted over 130 rockets, claiming a 77 per cent success rate. However, a considerable number of rockets continue to penetrate the defence system, which does not cover all population areas under threat. Rocket strikes have caused injuries, shock and damage to buildings and property in several cities in the south of the country.

Across Israel this morning there is a heightened state of alert as the Muslim Brotherhood has declared a ‘day of rage’ for all its members. Friday prayers are a traditional flash point for violent outbursts in Jerusalem. Protesters clashed with Israeli security forces in the West Bank yesterday. A suspicious package, believed to be an explosive device, was found on the Jerusalem light rail this morning and all trains were stopped.