Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to remain in a bunker for a short time because of a rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. As reported, among others, by the newspaper "Haaretz", Netanyahu was in an election campaign in the city of Ashkelon when a siren alarm was triggered.
Bodyguards then led him off a stage and took him to a bunker. Videos show how the politician accompanied by his wife Sara leaves the stage.
Ultimately, however, Netanyahu was apparently not in danger. The missile was launched by the Israeli "Iron Dome" missile defense system, the military said. The city of Ashkelon is around twelve kilometers from the Gaza Strip. In September, Netanyahu had performed similarly in the nearby city of Ashdod.
In Ashkelon, Netanyahu had campaigned for the upcoming intra-party decision to chair the right-wing Likud party. The members appoint a new chairperson on Thursday.
According to Haaretz, Netanyahu made a threat to the attackers after the rocket fire. Those who fired the missile should "pack their things," said the politician.
The corruption charges against Netanyahu are accused of bribery, infidelity and fraud. In response, the politician had declared that he wanted to resign from the ministerial office at the end of the year, but would remain head of government.
In the party vote, Netanyahu is now challenged by former Minister Gideon Saar. The winner of the vote will be the top candidate of the Likud in the early election in March.
In Israel, government formation has failed for months, and the next election in the coming year is the third attempt within a year.
