Katz instructs IDF to increase alertness in Gaza: "Prepare for severity"

Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF to significantly increase alertness in the Gaza Strip and prepare for any offensive scenario, following intelligence information about Hamas's intentions to carry out attacks on the anniversary of the war. Katz demanded forceful action against any warning and warned that harm to soldiers would exact a heavy price beyond all proportions.

Defense Minister Israel Katz today (Tuesday) instructed the IDF to significantly increase alertness in the Gaza Strip and prepare for any possible offensive scenario by Hamas. The directive was given following intelligence information about the organization's intentions to exploit the symbolic day — the anniversary of the war tomorrow — to carry out attacks and harm IDF soldiers. The minister's office stated that there is no single specific warning, but the move comes against the backdrop of a series of security incidents in recent months. Katz demanded sharpening operational readiness and acting with great firmness and a heavy hand to thwart threats before they materialize. He emphasized to the operational echelon that no warning should be taken lightly. At the same time, the minister issued an unequivocal warning to Hamas: if IDF presence in the area is harmed, the organization and the residents of the Strip will pay a very heavy price, beyond all proportion. The warning was also sharpened during this week's visit of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Defense Minister to the Kissufim outpost together with the Southern Command chief. According to reports, in recent weeks repeated attempts by Hamas to advance attack plans against forces have been identified, including planning an ambush against Division 99 forces near the yellow line and detonating an explosive device against an unmanned engineering vehicle without casualties. The IDF and Shin Bet recently eliminated several senior Hamas operatives, and the Air Force struck more than 140 targets in the Strip in the past month.