Iron Dome intercepts rocket over greater Tel Aviv area

Rocket sirens blare in Rishon Lezion, Holon, Yehud, Givatayim, Bat Yam and other towns; explosion heard in sky above Tel Aviv but siren does not sound in city.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, BEN HARTMAN
Rockets launched from Gaza Strip towards Israel is seen as rocket by Iron Dome anti-missile system is fired to intercept them (photo credit: REUTERS)
Rockets launched from Gaza Strip towards Israel is seen as rocket by Iron Dome anti-missile system is fired to intercept them
(photo credit: REUTERS)
After a day of heavy rocket fire on Israel from Gaza that targeted southern communities rocket sirens wailed in a number of towns in the Tel Aviv area, including in Rishon Lezion, Holon, Yehud, Givatayim and Bat Yam.
 
The IDF confirmed that the Iron Dome rocket defense system intercepted one rocket over the Tel Aviv area. 
An explosion could be heard in the air over Tel Aviv, though the sirens did not sound in the city. As of now there are no reports of injuries or damage in the salvo.
Rocket sirens also sounded in the Shfela area of central Israel.
The rocket and mortar fire continued at a rapid pace on Saturday, with 82 launches from Gaza into Israel between midnight and 6:30pm, according to the IDF spokesperson's office.
 
They said that of these, 62 impact sites have been found, all but three of them in open areas.
 
In addition, they said that the Iron Dome interceptors have shot down 9 rockets, including four in a single salvo over Ashkelon around 6pm.
 
They said that the IDF has also carried out 55 strikes in Gaza over the course of the day.