Rocket from Red Sea resort hits Israel

THE ISRAELI prime minister has vowed to hit back at those responsible for firing a rocket at the Red Sea resort of Eilat.

At least one Grad-style rocket exploded in the early hours of yesterday morning, causing panic among residents and tourists, although no one was hurt. Police believe two other projectiles landed in open areas.

Israeli security sources said the projectiles were fired from the Egyptian Sinai, which borders Eilat to the west.

Binyamin Netanyahu said Sinai was turning into a launching pad for terrorist groups.

“We are dealing with this. We are building a security fence but it will not stop missiles; for this, too, a situation will be found. We will strike at those who attack us. There can be no immunity for terrorism, it must be fought and we are doing so. In the end, nobody will defend the Jews if the Jews do not defend themselves.”

The attack came a day before the start of the week-long Jewish Passover, which sees tens of thousands of holidaymakers descend on the Red Sea resort. Following the incident, hotels sent out the message that it was business as usual.

The firing of medium-range Grad projectiles from Gaza into southern Israel is common, but attacks on Eilat, which lies at the southern tip of Israel, are extremely rare.

Militant activity in Sinai has increased since the overthrow of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak in February 2011. Islamic groups have mounted frequent attacks on a gas pipeline to Israel and on local police stations.

There have also been cross-border infiltrations into Israel, prompting Israel to build a 240km security fence, to be completed this year.

Israel believes that militant groups from Gaza are active in Sinai, along with local Bedouin and world Jihad groups linked to al-Qaeda. However, Israel will not contemplate cross-border raids, as relations with post-Mubarak Egypt remain extremely tense.

Egyptian security sources denied that the rocket was fired from Sinai, stressing that security along the southern stretch of the border with Israel was excellent, with regular patrols and roadblocks on the Egyptian side.

Hamas representatives in Gaza denied responsibility and accused Israel of preparing the ground for military strikes in Gaza.