Israel Seals Off West Bank for Rosh Hashanah

By JTA September 28, 2011

The Israeli military announced a closure of the West Bank for Rosh Hashanah as two rockets fired from Gaza hit southern Israel.

The closure began Tuesday night and will last until Saturday night following the two-day holiday and Shabbat. Exceptions will be made for medical emergencies and the passage of humanitarian aid, as well as doctors and medical personnel, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

“The IDF will continue to operate in order to protect the citizens of Israel while maintaining the Palestinian everday life,” the IDF said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Kassam rockets fired from northern Gaza landed in southern Israel Tuesday night. One hit a power line near a kibbutz, causing a blackout. The Color Red alert system sounded before the rockets hit.

They are the first rockets to hit Israel from Gaza in several weeks.

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