In Israel, they estimate that the threat of jihad is real - but they hope that the organization will go down Israel today

Real fear of terrorist attacks:

It seems that the residents of the south are expecting a tense weekend, the likes of which they have not experienced for a long time.

The vigilance stems from an assessment in the security system, according to which the intelligence alert regarding the Islamic Jihad's intention to carry out the threats of revenge is extremely serious.

The Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Aviv Kochavi, made situation assessments throughout the past day.

At the end of one of them, it was reported that "during the tour, the Chief of Staff instructed to increase preparedness for escalation scenarios, and plans for the offensive efforts have been approved."

Chief of Staff Kochavi visited the Gaza Division // Photo: IDF spokesperson

In practice, the IDF prepared yesterday for three possible scenarios. The first, which last night seemed less likely, is the possibility that thanks to the pressure that Israel exerts on Hamas through the Egyptian mediator and by closing the crossings, the tensions will end. A second possibility, and more likely according to the intelligence, is that the jihad will try to fire an anti-tank missile or launch a rocket at Israel, and Israel will respond harshly.

A third option being discussed is a preemptive strike to remedy the blow, and Israeli action before the jihad tries to respond.

Despite the harsh threats heard and the announcement of reinforcements and armed drones in the air, Israel still hopes that the jihad will come down from the high tree it climbed with its announcements of its intention to avenge the arrest of the organization's senior official in Samaria.

At the same time, if there is no change in the intelligence information about the intention to carry out an offensive action in the next two days, Israel may take its own offensive actions against the Islamic Jihad, not necessarily only in Gaza.

"The blockades will continue as long as necessary", photo: Yossi Zeliger

On a strategic level, the security establishment would not want to degenerate into a large-scale operation against the Gaza Strip because of a Jihad firing squad.

It is estimated that if the rebellious terrorist organization does not refrain from action, Israel may find itself in a few days of battle in the south, but not in an extensive ground operation.

However, as we know, days of battle always have the potential to degenerate into a wider escalation.

We note that Kochvi did indeed approve plans for proactive Israeli action, but this is a very unusual step that Israel usually does not take, unless there is a focused, concrete and unprecedented intelligence warning.

Israel still hopes that the pressure exerted on Hamas will take its toll.

Security sources stated that it is obvious that Hamas is indeed making efforts to calm the area, but the intention of the security establishment is to spur Hamas to act more harshly against the jihad.

At the same time, as mentioned, the IDF is seriously preparing for the possibility of action. In addition to reinforcing armor, artillery, engineering, infantry and special forces, the IDF will also greatly strengthen the air defense system.

Military officials stated that the frustration of the residents is understandable in view of the damage to their daily lives in mid-August, but clarified that despite the criticism, the warning is concrete, and if it is decided to make concessions in the form of opening roads, and then an Israeli citizen is injured as a result of gunfire - those residents will claim that this is an omission.

According to Brigadier General Nimrod Aloni, commander of the Gaza Division, "We recognize the intentions of the Islamic Jihad to carry out terrorist attacks.

Therefore, the blockades will continue as long as necessary."

Commander of the Gaza Division: "Intentions to carry out terrorist attacks are detected" // Photo: IDF spokesman

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