Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. Photo: Israel Defense Forces.

JNS.org – The recent security incidents in southern Israel prompted the Israel Defense Forces to deploy two Iron Dome missile defense system batteries in the area on Thursday, as well as to declare heightened alert levels across the sector.

The military confirmed that one Iron Dome battery was deployed near Beersheba, while the second was set up near the city of Netivot.

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon commented Thursday on the recent security developments in southern Israel, saying, “Hamas is not interested in an escalation in the Gaza Strip, but the organization’s actions will serve as its true test.”

Ya’alon noted that Israel “expects Hamas to restrain any rogue elements. Israel has responded and it will respond to any attack emanating from the Gaza Strip.”

Meanwhile, the military is still investigating Wednesday’s sniper attack against troops securing engineers working on the Israel-Gaza Strip border fence, in which a soldier from the Bedouin Reconnaissance Unit was serious wounded.

The soldier, who sustained a chest wound, was airlifted to the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba for treatment. Hospital officials said Thursday that his condition was stable and improving.