Katyusha Rockets from Lebanon Rain Down on the Galilee

Many residents of Kiryat Shemona spent last night in bomb shelters for the first time in months after a volley of Katyusha rockets rained down on Galilee from Lebanon. There were no casualties. Some windows were smashed and several cars were damaged by splinters.

Premier Shimon Peres told reporters this afternoon that the people of Kiryat Shemona and other settlements and towns in Upper Galilee can rest assured they will not be abandoned by the government, and the appropriate measures will be taken to protect them from terrorist attacks.

Earlier, Defense Minister Yitzhak Robin telephoned Kiryat Shemona’s Mayor, Prosper Azran, with similar assurances. Maj. Gen. Ori Orr, commander of the northern sector, visited the town. He said the Israel Defense Force would act swiftly against the sources of the rocket fire as soon as they are found.

One of his aides remarked, “Once we knew who was responsible for the Katyusha attacks, but now Lebanon is a wild jungle.” Nevertheless, last night’s outburst is believed related to the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Fatah.

Peres said there was no specific plan for combatting terrorism, and the IDF’s reaction would be determined by who is responsible in each individual case. A specific response is required in each in stance, he said.

SAYS TERRORIST BASES IN EGYPT UNLIKELY

He doubted reports that terrorists were about to establish bases on Egyptian soil. Egypt will prevent this, he said, adding that Israel and Egypt were close to achieving a joint solution to the various points of dispute between them. He said he thought President Hosni Mubark is intent on improving relations with Israel.

Uri Lubrani, coordinator of government activities in Lebanon, told the Army Radio today that he did not perceive a dramatic increase in terrorist activities, such as Katyusha attacks, but admitted there was some increase in the number and frequency of incidents. This was anticipated and it’s still at a tolerable level, he said.

SLA HITS SHIITE VILLAGES

Meanwhile, the Israel-backed South Lebanon Army (SLA) poured tank and artillery fire into three Shiite villages north of the security zone yesterday in retaliation for several attacks on SLA patrols and positions in the zone. Reports from Lebanon said three houses were destroyed in Tibnine village, and two in Hadata, and a schoolhouse was hit in Eita E-Zout. There were no reports of casualties.

Sources of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said the IDF shelled targets north of the security zone last night.

The SLA continued today to shell targets north of the security zone and exchanged fire with Moslem militia. Reports from Lebanon said SLA targets included the port town of Sidon, the central sector and the Bekaa Valley in the east.