IDF: Over 66 rockets shot Tuesday thus far

Over 66 rockets have been fired at Israel since the launch of Operation Protective Edge in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit says.

Some eight of those rockets were shot down by the Iron Dome anti-missile system according to media reports.

The rocket fire thus far has been limited to cities relatively close to Gaza, with Ashkelon and Ashdod both absorbing large volleys of rockets.

Officials are gearing up for a possible increase of rocket fire later tonight, especially deep into central Israel. In Rishon Lezion, the public beach was closed, and in Tel Aviv all public shelters were ordered to be opened, for the first time since 2012’s Operation Pillar of Defense.

An Iron Dome Missile Battery near Tel Aviv, on the first day of Operation Protective Edge, July 8, 2014. (Photo by Flash90)