Israeli Defense Minister Orders Military Readiness Amid Gaza Tensions

Israeli 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 by higher political authorities in Israel 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 such a move could be contingent upon the return of the remains of Staff Sergeant Ron Arad, the last Israeli soldier captured, or the disarmament and dismantling of Hamas.

U.S. pressure on Israel continues, with the administration of President Donald Trump advocating for the next phase of the Gaza agreement and peace plan.

However, Israel's refusal to engage in this phase has led the U.S. administration to propose initiating reconstruction efforts in the Rafah area, which is free of Hamas presence and remains under Israeli control.

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