Train Service in Southern Israel Suspended Over Security Fears

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By JTA August 18, 2014

Train services between Ashkelon and Sderot in southern Israel have been halted due to security reasons.

The cessation of services on the train line which runs near the border with Gaza came Sunday night, a day before the end of a five-day ceasefire with terrorists in Gaza. The halt to service on the line, “until further notice,” was announced on Israel Railways website.

The Transportation Ministry will add buses between the two southern Israeli cities in the meantime, according to reports.

The cessation of the train service in southern Israel reportedly was ordered by the Defense Ministry, which also reportedly has ordered the rail service to fortify the line against anti-tank fire from Gaza.

Train service between Ashkelon and Sderot was closed during large portions of the recent conflict in Gaza.

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