Iron Dome intercepts rockets over Tel Aviv region; sirens sound in Beit Shemesh area

At least two rockets shot down by the Iron Dome over metropolitan Tel Aviv; rocket interceptions were also heard above Bat Yam, Holon, and Rishon Letzion.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
An Iron Dome launcher fires an interceptor rocket in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod (photo credit: REUTERS)
An Iron Dome launcher fires an interceptor rocket in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod
(photo credit: REUTERS)
 
Central Israel continued to absorb Palestinian rockets into Monday evening as sirens rang out in key population centers in central Israel.
At least two rockets were shot down by the Iron Dome system over metropolitan Tel Aviv. Rocket interceptions were also heard above Bat Yam, Holon, and Rishon Letzion.
Minutes earlier, sirens sounded in the Shfela region encompassing Rehovot, Ness Ziona, Lod, suburban Modi'in, Ashdod, Gan Yavne, and the Ashkelon area.
Hamas and the Popular Resistance Committees claimed credit for launching six rockets toward Tel Aviv, Israel Radio reported on Monday evening.
A heavy barrage of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip set off sirens throughout Israel on Monday morning, including in the Tel Aviv and Beit Shemesh areas.
A number of audible explosions were heard in the Tel Aviv area, which was targeted for the first time in several days. Rocket attacks on the city have been reduced since the beginning of the IDF ground invasion into Gaza last week.
Sirens were also heard in Ashkelon, Ashdod, Rishon Lezion, Yavne and Kiryat Malachi  in Monday morning's attack.
The Iron Dome intercepted a total of five rockets over Ashdod and the greater Tel Aviv area, according to Channel 2. A total of 12 rockets were fired at Ashkelon, six of which were intercepted and six of which fell in open areas.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage in the attack.
Prior to the large salvo of rocket fire just before noon throughout the country, steady rocket fire had targeted Israeli communities directly bordering Gaza.
 
A home in Sderot was struck by a rocket in one of the attacks. The building sustained damage, but no injuries were reported.