Tensions on the Gaza border and the curfew on the perimeter: Defense Minister Benny Gantz held a situation assessment today (Friday) at the Southern Command headquarters - with the participation of Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, Southern Command commander Maj. Gen. Eliezer Toledano, and Gaza Division commander Brigadier General Nimrod Aloni - in which he sent a message to the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip.
Gantz said: "To our enemies in general and to the leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, I say explicitly - your time is limited. The threat will be removed one way or another. The situation in which irresponsible terrorists, some of whom are not even in the area, took the residents of Gaza hostage will return and harm them. Whoever robs the livelihood of 14,000 workers, causes agricultural goods to rot in the crossings, and leads to a shortage of electricity and food - harms the residents of Gaza first and foremost, and he will bear responsibility.".
Gantz also said that the security establishment is preparing "for any action that may be required and on any front. We are not eager for battle - but we also do not hesitate to engage in it if required.".
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Yair Lapid said after assessing the situation: "We are working to return the residents of the surrounding area to their daily lives as quickly as possible.".
Meanwhile, while the settlements in the encirclement are paralyzed, Israel this morning allowed fuel to be brought into the Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing.
A security source said that the mediation talks with Egypt appear hopeless and that "Israel will have to neutralize the threats itself." However, Muhammad al-Hindi, a senior Islamic Jihad official, actually described the tone of the talks with the Egyptians today as "positive" and said: "We expect results from these mediation efforts.".
