
Transitional Prime Minister Yair Lapid spoke by phone today (Thursday) with the heads of authorities from the southern border and updated them on the latest security developments in Gaza.
Lapid told local mayors that he fully understands the damage caused to everyday life, but emphasized that he will not allow the current situation to continue for much longer.
The prime minister also made it clear that Israel is preparing for any possible development, and will not hesitate to strike any terror group threatening the security of its citizens, promising to conduct another situational assessment later in the day.
IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi toured the Gaza Division Thursday morning and conducted a situational assessment with the division commander.
The Chief of Staff was shown the intelligence-operational situation alongside the activity of the combat forces in the division and the armored and artillery forces that recently arrived in the sector.
During the tour, the Chief of Staff gave instructions to increase the IDF's preparedness for escalation scenarios, strengthening defense, intelligence collective efforts and approved plans for offensive efforts should they become necessary.
Earlier, it was reported that road closures instituted Tuesday following the arrest of Basa'am Asadi, an Islamic Jihad leader in Jenin, will not be lifted, despite the relative calm in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel has sent a message to Hamas warning that if the tension does not reside, it will be forced to take steps to end it, and is not afraid of a new Gaza war, Channel 12 News reported.
A military source told Israel National News - Arutz Sheva, "The steps are being taken due to attempts by Islamic Jihad terrorists to carry out a revenge attack. We know that the precautions Israel has taken has prevented such a terror attack, and therefore the high alert and closures will continue.