Following the launch of Israel's operation Pillar of Defense against terrorist targets in Gaza, rocket fire from Gaza resumed.
Since November 14, 306 rockets have struck Israel, landing in the South and in the greater Tel Aviv area, killing three people in Kiryat Malachi: Mirah Scharf, 25, Aharon Smadja, 49, and Itzik Amsalem, 24. The Iron Dome anti-missile defense system intercepted an additional 130 rockets, preventing them from striking populated areas in Israel. Booms were heard following an air raid siren in Tel Aviv Thursday evening, just an hour after a rocket from the Gaza Strip exploded in an open field outside Rishon Lezion, 60 km from the Gaza Strip. There were no reports of injuries in either strike. A Beersheba home later sustained a direct hit, none hurt.
- About 70 Israelis were wounded (about half suffering from shock)
- 25 Israelis were extracted from a collapsed building
- Homes, factory, a school and a cowshed sustained direct hits
- Rishon LeZion was targeted for the first time
- Schools within 40km of Gaza remained closed
- Gatherings (weddings, etc.) were limited to less than 100 people
Over 120 rockets were fired at southern Israel from Gaza from Saturday evening (Nov 10) until November 13, hitting Sderot, Ashdod, Netivot, and the Eshkol, Shaar Hanegev and Hof Ashkelon councils. Several people suffered injuries on Sunday morning and many have been treated for panic. There has been extensive damage to homes, businesses and vehicles.
Throughout November 11 rocket and mortar shell fire into Israeli continued and increased. In addition, rockets with longer ranges were fired and the damage incurred was greater. A total of 64 rockets hits were identified on November 11. A number of mortar shells were also fired. A number of Israeli civilians were wounded by the rocket fire, although not seriously; several were treated for shock and there was extensive property damage.