Netanyahu Evacuated From Rally After Rocket Fired

For the second time in less than four months, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to be rushed off stage at a campaign event Wednesday after a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu and dozens of supporters at the rally in Ashkelon, eight miles north of the border, were evacuated to a bomb shelter for around 15 minutes, the Times of Israel reports. Whoever fired the rocket should "pack his bags," Netanyahu said when the rally resumed.

The Israeli military says the rocket was shot down by an "Iron Dome" air defense interceptor and targets in Gaza were bombed overnight in retaliation, reports the Guardian. No Palestinian group claimed responsibility. Netanyahu, who was charged with corruption last month, is expected to retain leadership of the Likud Party in an internal election Thursday. (More Israel stories.)