Live Update
From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Local council in south says dozens of families evacuating over fears of Gaza reprisal
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Israeli soldiers block a road near the border with Gaza, southern Israel, on May 9, 2023. Photo by (Flash90)
The Shaar Hanegev Regional Council says dozens of families have left their communities close to the border with Gaza, amid fears of rocket fire following deadly Israeli airstrikes in the Strip.
The council says the families living within four kilometers of Gaza are taken to be hosted in towns in central, northern, and southern Israel.
By the end of the day, over 200 families are expected to leave, the council says.
“The council is prepared to assist all residents who have special needs, including mobility problems and more,” it adds.