Mayoral run-off race in Ashkelon Shore postponed due to Gaza escalation

Interior minister Deri said election postponed until quieter days.

NOVEMBER 13, 2018 08:54

Home which was struck by a rocket overnight in Yad Mordechai (photo credit: TAMARA ZIEVE) — Home which was struck by a rocket overnight in Yad Mordechai

(photo credit: TAMARA ZIEVE)

The mayoral run-off race due to take place today in the Ashkelon Shore Regional Council was cancelled and postponed to an unknown date.

Mayoral run-off elections are scheduled across Israel today in municipalities where no mayor received the necessary votes in the first round, two weeks ago. Apart from Ashkelon Shore, all run-off races are set to take place.

Interior Minister Arye Deri said he "decided to postpone the election in the Ashkelon Shore [region] because the residents' security is more important. We cannot hold an election when the residents cannot leave safe structures, shelters and at-home safe rooms. The elections will be postponed until quieter days."

Dozens of rockets hit the Ashkelon regional council overnight. Several rockets hit in Ashkelon, killing one man who was found in the rubble of a building and injuring dozens others.

School was cancelled across Israel's south and residents asked to stay near shelters.

Israel's security cabinet has moved their meeting forward to 9 a.m. this morning to discuss the escalation with Gaza.