Rocket Slams Into Israeli Detergent Plant

Israeli soldiers examine the damage, caused by a rocket, fired from Lebanon, at a cemetery in the northern town of Kiryat Shmona Wednesday July 26, 2006. Israel on Wednesday suffered its heaviest losses in Lebanon in its offensive against Hezbollah, with militants killing eight soldiers in a battle for a key town. A top Israeli commander said he expected the campaign to last "several more weeks." (AP Photo/Eli Dasa) (Eli Dasa - AP)

KIRYAT SHEMONA, Israel -- A Hezbollah rocket slammed into a laundry detergent plant in Kiryat Shemona on Thursday, setting a warehouse on fire, Israeli security officials said. Farej Fares, a local police commander in the northern town, said no one was in the building when it was hit, and that there was no threat of toxic materials being released into the air.

The warehouse belonging to Galim Chemicals, which make laundry detergent, sustained a direct hit. Huge flames and smoke billowed from the building and at least six fire trucks rushed to the scene.

During Israel's 15-day offensive in Lebanon, Hezbollah has fired more than 1,400 rockets into Israel, including 48 that fell Thursday.