Problematic Fortifications in Kassam-Ridden Towns Even Has High Court Alarmed

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Fortifications in Qassam-Ridden Towns Problematic, High Court Says, by Aviram Zino (Ynet)

Chief Justice Beinisch: “‘Thirty children have 15 seconds to get to a fortified structure. This is not enough,’ she said, stating that movement from the classrooms to a separate shelter in such a short time is problematic and will cause panic. “We’re concerned with this ’15 second’ issue.'”

Full Text;

Dorit Beinisch says children attending western Negev schools may not have enough time to reach shelters in case of a rocket attack; 4 Qassams land in Israel, one hits strategic facility in Ashkelon.

Beinisch spoke during a court hearing addressing a Sderot resident’s petition criticizing the fortification of Israeli communities within Qassam range.

Children attending western Negev schools may not have enough time to reach shelters in the event of a rocket attack, High Court Justice Dorit Beinisch conceded Thursday.

“The children are in danger,” a resident of the western Negev town shouted out during the hearing, emphasizing the insufficient fortifications in the region’s schools.

The State’s response to the petition stated that while children in grades one to three will study in fortified classrooms, children in the fourth grade and up will have 15 seconds to reach a separate shelter after the Color Red alert system is sounded.

‘We’re concerned’

Beinisch noted that the solution was less than perfect.

“Thirty children have 15 seconds to get to a fortified structure. This is not enough,” she said, stating that movement from the classrooms to a separate shelter in such a short time is problematic and will cause panic. “We’re concerned with this ’15 second’ issue.”

The court told the State to submit an updated report on the completion of the fortification works within 45 days.

Meanwhile, four Qassam rockets landed in Israel on Thursday. One landed near a water reservoir in close proximity to a kibbutz in the Negev, while another landed near a strategic facility in Ashkelon.

The remaining rockets landed in the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council area.

No injuries were reported, although one person suffered from shock in Ashkelon. No property was damaged.