Warnings over rockets fired from Gaza toward the south of the country appeared on Israeli TV screens minutes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finished his speech at the White House today. Incoming rocket sirens sounded in the southern cities of Ashkelon and Ashdod, sending thousands of Israelis into bomb shelters. According to initial reports, at least two men were lightly injured and a few people suffered trauma.

Hamas was criticized for firing rockets at Israel while its prime minister delivered a message of peace, though experts noted that the rockets probably came from other Gaza groups.

Celebrating a historic achievement, Netanyahu spoke at length about the price paid by Israelis over the years, saying, “The people of Israel well know the price of war. I know the price of war. I was wounded in battle. A fellow soldier died in my arms. My brother Yoni lost his life while rescuing hostages." He added that today's ceremony “brings hope to all of the children of Abraham."

Still, Netanyahu did not refer to the Palestinians by name in his meeting in the Oval Office, nor in his speech later on from the balcony overlooking the White House lawn. "This peace will eventually expand to include other Arab states and ultimately help bring an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict once and for all,” said Netanyahu, referring to Arab states, but not to Arab peoples. Netanyahu stressed that “ultimately, strength brings peace.”