The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will be required to launch a significant offensive strike on Gaza if rocket attacks against Israeli citizens from the Hamas-controlled region do not come to an end, IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense committee on Tuesday.
“Such a measure needs to be proactive and organized, under Israeli control and not dragging on,” Gantz said. He added that there is a chance of renewed violence by Arabs in Judea and Samaria.
On Saturday, Israel Air Force aircraft targeted and destroyed a rocket firing post erected in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis which was poised to fire missiles into Israel. One terrorist was killed and seven injured.
Egypt warned Hamas in recent weeks that if rocket attacks against Israelis continue, Israel will launch an operation in Gaza.
On Sunday, Gantz oversaw an army drill in which the Combat Engineer Corps practiced responding to enemy infiltration and the capture of an Israeli soldier. Fighter jets and elite army units took part in the drill.
