Israel Katz Orders Military to Prepare for Possible Conflict in Gaza

Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has directed the military to prepare for the possibility of renewed conflict in the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli sources.

At the same time, no directives have been issued from higher political authorities in Israel regarding the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, as reported by the Israeli news site "Walla".

A security source indicated that the likelihood of Israel permitting the entry of goods into Gaza remains very low, suggesting that such a move could imply allowing reconstruction before recovering the remains of Sergeant Major Ron Arad, the last Israeli prisoner, or before disarming Hamas.

U.S. pressure on Israel continues, as the administration of President Donald Trump pushes for a transition to the second phase of the Gaza agreement and peace plan.

However, Israel's reluctance to advance this process has led the U.S. administration to propose initiating reconstruction efforts in the Rafah area, which is free of Hamas influence and remains under Israeli control.

It remains unclear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted this U.S. proposal.