"We saw that when the defense minister wishes to show determination and
resolve, he knows how to do that," Ashkelon's outgoing Mayor, Roni Mahatzri
said. "He did it while handling the case of the house in Hebron. I would
like to see the same determination when it comes to the rocket fire."

Southern mayor: Gaza lull is dead
Ashkelon mayor says he expects Barak to show Hebron-style determination
vis-à-vis terrorists
Shmulik Hadad Published: 12.06.08, 23:57 / Israel News
www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3634335,00.html

Ashkelon's outgoing Mayor, Roni Mahatzri, said Saturday that the Gaza Strip
lull is dead, following rocket attacks on the southern city throughout
Shabbat. The mayor said he fails to understand the government's delay in
responding to the ongoing rocket fire.

At least 12 rockets and mortar shells were fired at the city in the past 24
hours and landed in open areas. One rocket hit Ashkelon's southern
industrial zone but caused no injuries or damages.

"We saw that when the defense minister wishes to show determination and
resolve, he knows how to do that," Mahatzri said. "He did it while handling
the case of the house in Hebron. I would like to see the same determination
when it comes to the rocket fire. The government must realize that the lull
no longer exists, and if they fail to understand it now we shall find
ourselves facing very heavy barrages and endless attacks."

"The situation cannot go on like this," the mayor said.

'We demand government response'

The past week has seen an escalation in Qassam and mortar attacks on the
western Negev, with fire continuing throughout the day. During the weekend
the issue was discussed by the four heads of the regional councils in the
Gaza vicinity.

The head of the Ashkelon Beach Regional Council, Yair Farjoun, said that he
and the other council heads were expecting the government to exact a "price
tag" for rocket attacks.

"Over the past few days there has been non-stop Qassam and mortar fire," he
said. "This steady drip has become a daily ritual and unfortunately we are
not seeing a response. This situation cannot continue. We demand that the
government respond."

In past weeks the number of Ashkelon residents appealing for secure rooms in
their homes has also increased. The government has not formulated a plan to
fund these rooms, and many residents have appealed for benefits from city
council if no such plan is forthcoming.