The IDF has called up 40,000 reservists and is mulling a Gaza ground offensive against Hamas after beginning Operation Protective Edge last night. As the IDF attacks Hamas targets throughout the Gaza strip rockets have hit a wide range of Israeli locations in the south including Ashdod, Ashkelon, Yavne, and settlements in the Eshkol Region. Seven Gazans have reportedly been killed by Israeli strikes. No Israeli casualties have been reported so far and Iron Dome has intercepted many of the rockets heading for cities including one over Tel Aviv.
Meanwhile Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon has declared a state of emergency in all parts of Israel within a 40 kilometer range of the Gaza strip.
The Manufacturers Association Southern Director Meir Shimko said, "Declaring a special situation by the Home Guard is necessary to allow factories and businesses whose operation might be harmed during the fighting to claim compensation for losses that might be caused."
Shimko added, "In these factories about 10-20% of the workforce is absent. Mainly women who chose to stay away from work to be close to their children. In some cases factory managers and administrative staff are working on the production lines to minimize disruptions to the factory's operations."
He added, "Factories in the south are already used to operating on an emergency footing."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 8, 2014
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