Photo Credit: Tsafrir Abayov / Flash 90
An Israeli soldier standing next to a launcher, part of the "Iron Dome" missile defense system.

Iron Dome anti-missile defense systems were deployed Thursday in areas between the coastal port cities of Ashkelon and Ashdod. The system was also deployed Thursday in the northern Negev city of Be’er Sheva, where the system has not been deployed since last summer’s Operation Protective Edge against Hamas and allied terrorists in Gaza.

Security coordinators for communities in the Gaza Belt and other districts in southern Israel have been warned of possible rocket fire by Gaza terrorists.

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Rocket fire was launched at northern Israel from the Syrian side of the border late Thursday afternoon. Two rockets exploded in open fields in the Galilee Panhandle, setting ripening crops ablaze. Two more rockets exploded in the Golan Heights and ignited fires in fields there as well. Firefighting crews were backed by by firefighter aircraft in helping to extinguish the flames.

Israel Defense Forces and local security personnel have been placed on high alert in response to the deteriorating health condition of Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist Mohammed Alla’an, hospitalized at Barzilai Medical Center.

The Gaza-based, Iranian-backed PIJ terror group has threatened to launch attacks against Israel if the hunger-striker dies.

Alla’an, who was held on administrative detention in connection with terror activity, has caused himself brain damage after refusing to eat for more than 60 days. It is not clear whether or not the damage is reversible.

Israel’s High Court of Justice order the state to suspend Alla’an’s detention and to allow his family unrestricted visitation. However, he and his family will need to seek permission from the Court if he chooses to seek leave or seek care elsewhere.

Alla’an was resedated Wednesday evening for the second time in a week due to his medical condition.

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Hana Levi Julian is a Middle East news analyst with a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Southern Connecticut State University. A past columnist with The Jewish Press and senior editor at Arutz 7, Ms. Julian has written for Babble.com, Chabad.org and other media outlets, in addition to her years working in broadcast journalism.