Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met this morning, with local council heads from the area around the Gaza Strip, regarding the  reinforcing of the homes of residents who live within a seven kilometer radius of the Gaza Strip against Kassam rockets.  He instructed Prime Minister's Office Director-General Ra'anan Dinur to present him soon with plans for the reinforcement of homes that lack a protected area.  The plans are to include budgetary estimates and a prioritized work schedule.

Sderot Mayor Eli Moyal, Ashkelon Coast Regional Council Chairman Shimon Cohen, Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council Chairman Alon Shuster, Sdot Hanegev Regional Council Chairman Meir Yifrach and Eshkol Regional Council Chairman Uri Na'amati, as well as MK Shai Hermesh who spearheaded the initiative, attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Olmert said that he is disturbed by the situation in the communities around the Gaza Strip and added that it is necessary to strengthen area residents' sense of security despite the significant financial outlays entailed by the project.  "The missile attacks have continued for six years and there are concerns that the internal balance has been eroded.  Therefore, I have decided to reinforce the communities," the Prime Minister said.

The aforementioned local council heads thanked Prime Minister Olmert for his decision.