Hamas mid-morning rocket fire again targets central Israel

After a slow start, Hamas directs a broad rocket barrage Thursday mid-morning against central Israel, metropolitan Tel Aviv and the Sharon up to the Hefer Valley. Five were initially knocked out by Iron Dome. The same regions were targeted for a heavy rocket attack Wednesday evening. No casualties or damage in either attack. Wednesday saw a total of 80-90 rockets all day, the lowest number in 15 days.

The Islamists are said to have lost many of their elite fighters in battle with the IDF among the more than 500 killed. Israeli forces fighting in the Gaza Strip control a total of 31 tunnels, i.e., most of the structures designed for terrorist attacks on Israel, and demolished 9. The IDF requires another week to 10 days to complete the tunnel operation.