Colonel Kobi Maron was a member of the IDF during the 2000 withdrawal from Lebanon. In his military career he has supervised complex and varied combat units. Currently, Kobi is in the reserves and is a businessman in the tourism industry.
Below are some of the questions our group asked Col.Merom:
O. How many missiles have been fired into Sderot from the Gaza Strip and why is Sderot targeted so often?
A. Approximately 10000 missiles have been fired into Sderot because it provides a big target. Bigger cities also have a harder time facing the challenges brought on by frequent missile attacks.
A. Approximately 10000 missiles have been fired into Sderot because it provides a big target. Bigger cities also have a harder time facing the challenges brought on by frequent missile attacks.
Q. How far away is Sderot from the Gaza Strip?
A. Sderot is just 1 mile from the border.
A. Sderot is just 1 mile from the border.
Q. How has the situation changed since Israel pulled out of the Gaza Strip in 2005?
A. After the pullout, Palestinians residing in the Gaza Strip lost their justification for attacking Israel although they did not stop. After the first missile was fired, Israel did not respond. This was a big mistake.
A. After the pullout, Palestinians residing in the Gaza Strip lost their justification for attacking Israel although they did not stop. After the first missile was fired, Israel did not respond. This was a big mistake.
Q. Why is Israel hesitant to retaliate against the attacks?
A. Israel recognizes the consequences of attacks in such populated areas.
A. Israel recognizes the consequences of attacks in such populated areas.
Q. What does Israel provide to the residents in Gaza?
A. Israel sends 400 trucks of produce to Gaza every morning and provides constant electricity.
A. Israel sends 400 trucks of produce to Gaza every morning and provides constant electricity.
Q. Do Israelis tend to leave the towns near the Gaza Strip?
A. No, many people stay because this is their home regardless of the dangers.
A. No, many people stay because this is their home regardless of the dangers.
Q.How does the situation affect teens living in the area?
A. It tends to affect littler children more. It gives them nightmares.