IDF: Technical glitch is behind Iron Dome failure

Error has reportedly been fixed after failing to intercept grads to Ashdod; "Hamas remained passive in face of violence" IDF spokesman says.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Iron Dome 311 R (photo credit: NIR ELIAS / Reuters)
Iron Dome 311 R
(photo credit: NIR ELIAS / Reuters)
IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai addressed the failure of one of the Iron Dome batteries to intercept rockets over Ashdod. The IDF spokesman described the failure as a "technical failure." The error has reportedly been repaired. The system did reportedly intercept Grads fired at Beersheba.
Two rockets fired toward Gan Yavne were successfully intercepted Sunday morning.
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Addressing the situation in the south, Mordechai said, "Hamas is the ruling element in Gaza, but at this stage it has remained passive."
"Through various ways, direct and indirect, we are checking to see how it is working to stop the escalation," Mordechai added.
"As of now, Islamic Jihad absorbed a painful blow from the IDF's response. It has been hit and it is feeling under pressure. Until now, they have had 10 [members] killed, including Sheikh Ahmed Khalil, a member of Islamic Jihad's supreme military council. They also have a number of injured," he said.
However, the length of the current escalation was unknown, and it could last 24 hours or longer, Mordechai said. "If a number of dead is suffered by one of the sides, the round could extend beyond the middle of next week," he warned. "The current situation has no effect on the Gilad Schalit trade with Hamas," Mordechai added.
According to Egyptian officials, however, Israel and Palestinian factions inGaza had agreed upon a ceasefire, set to begin at 6 a.m. onSunday.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu speaking Saturday night with the mayors of Ashkelon, Ashdod and Beersheba, promised that "the IDF's harsh response, which hit three rocket launcher cells on Saturday, will be even harsher if necessary."
He also requested that the mayors express to the residents of the South his appreciation of their steadfastness in light of the rocket fire from Gaza.
JPost.com staff contributed to this report.