December 20, '07

(IsraelNN.com) Although Sderot residents have yet to see anti-Kassam fortifications on the roofs of their homes, the Prime Minister's official residence in Jerusalem will be well-protected against any type of attack. Workers are busily digging at the residence, strengthening walls, installing air purification filters and other equipment for a bunker that can withstand a nuclear or chemical attack, according to a report by the Associated Press.

Last week Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim commented that Defense Minister Ehud Barak's promise to allocate $80 million to fortify homes in the shell-battered town of Sderot might change Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's oft-stated stance that Israel must not "fortify itself to death." Barak was not specific about which buildings would be fortified, when or by whom, however.

Russian-Israeli businessman Arcadi Gaydamak pledged fortification of some 600 homes in the Kassam-stricken community of Sderot after intensified shelling by Palestinian Authority terrorists in northern Gaza last week. The cost of the project will be approximately NIS 90 million ($23 million). The tycoon has already fortified 40 shelters in the town.