With Hamas's threats to "continue the fight" in the background, Defense Minister Benny Gantz today (Tuesday) conducted a tour of the IOS Division area, together with Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi and Central Command Commander Yehuda Fox.
The three visited along the seam line, and then held a situation assessment and commanders' dialogue, during which the Defense Minister praised the command's activities and achievements during the "Breakwater" operation.
Defense Minister Gantz on a tour of the IOS Division // Photo: Elad Malka
As you may remember, today Hamas sent threats to "continue the struggle and the intifada", following the arrest of the head of the Islamic Jihad last night in Jenin.
The security forces decided to increase alertness in the south, which includes stopping trains in the area surrounding Gaza, and blocking roads.
The residents were issued instructions that are considered abnormal in view of the relative security calm in the recent period, and they were asked not to approach the deputies.
The senior officials on a tour of the IOS, photo: Ariel Harmoni, Ministry of Defense
At the end of the tour, Gantz said: "Our policy is clear: those who want to work and live in a good neighborhood will receive an outstretched hand. With the other hand, we will harm anyone who seeks to harm the citizens of Israel and perpetrate terrorism. The IDF, the Shin Bet and the Israel Defense Forces will continue their operational activities, with all The tools and all the arenas.
Any threat to the citizens of Israel will be met with a powerful response and we will of course be prepared for any scenario.
From the exact same concept, we are also making progress with the work on the seam barrier and adjusting the operating concept all the time, in order to protect the civilian home, and also to expand the economic circles between us and the Palestinians, out of a common interest of prosperity and stability."
Documentation of the arrest of the head of the Islamic Jihad in Jenin // Photo: Arab Networks
In addition to this, Prime Minister Yair Lapid is expected to hold a security situation assessment later today with the participation of Alternate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Defense Minister Gantz, National Security Adviser Dr. Eil Hulta, Chief of Staff Kochavi, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, Military Secretary To the Prime Minister General Avi Gil, the Secretary of the Government Shalom Shlomo and other professionals.
In the meantime, Palestinian sources told the "Al-Quds" newspaper that "the Islamic Jihad leadership is not answering calls from the mediators, who are working to prevent escalation following the events in Jenin. The state of alert announced by the organization's military arm remains in place."
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