Deputy Defense Min. orders louder rocket warning siren in Ashkelon

A wailing siren will now be heard in Ashkelon every time a rocket is fired at the southern city from the Gaza Strip, instead of the "color red" alert system previously installed to warn against imminent strikes.

Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai on Tuesday decided to replace the existing system after receiving several complaints recently from residents of Ashkelon who said they didn't hear the "color red" alert prior to rocket strikes on the city.

In response to these complaints, the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command began installing loud sirens around the city over the last two days. Eight loudspeakers were installed, in addition to the 21 existing loudspeakers that will now be used to warn against strikes.

Due to continuing complaints, it was decided that instead of spoken warnings on the loudspeakers, a loud siren will be heard. The siren was chosen because of its ability to reach further corners of the city and the volume control it lends.