An Israeli shepherd in southern Israel was wounded late Sunday afternoon by a Molotov cocktail that landed in an open area outside a Jewish community in the Eshkol Regional Council district, near the Gaza border.
The firebomb appeared to have been carried into Israeli territory by a cluster of balloons launched by Gaza terrorists.
The balloons were spotted while still in the air by a resident of Eshkol, in the area of Moshav Eshbol. It is believed the fire that erupted in the area was caused by the incendiary terror balloons.
The shepherd, a 42-year-old man from the Be’eri area, was taken to Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, where he was treated for a hand injury. Hospital spokesperson Sharon Edery said the victim was listed in good condition and released shortly after.
“We emphasize the security guidelines, that in any case of identifying a balloon or any other suspicious object, please keep your distance,” Eshkol Security said. “Don’t touch it and report it immediately to local security personnel or the Eshkol hotline at 08-996-6333.”