Israel's Defense Minister Orders Military to Prepare for Potential Conflict in Gaza
Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has directed the military to prepare for the possibility of renewed conflict in Gaza, according to Israeli sources.
Meanwhile, there have been no directives from Israeli political leaders regarding the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, as reported by the Israeli news site "Walla".
A security source indicated that it is unlikely Israel will permit the entry of goods into Gaza, suggesting that this could mean allowing reconstruction in the region only after the remains of the last Israeli prisoner, Sergeant Ron Arad, are returned or before Hamas disarms.
The U.S. continues to exert pressure on Israel, with President Donald Trump's administration advocating for progress toward the second phase of the Gaza agreement and peace plan.
However, Israel's reluctance to move forward with this step has led the U.S. government to propose beginning reconstruction in the Rafah area, which is free of Hamas elements and remains under Israeli control.
It remains unclear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to this U.S. proposal.
