"Prepare for the worst-case scenarios"

According to The Times of Israel, Katz cited “intelligence indicating that Hamas intends to attempt attacks on our forces in Gaza on that day.”

“The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) must be prepared for the worst-case scenarios, and it is therefore necessary to take decisive measures in response to any intelligence or warnings in order to thwart any threat, in addition to the strong actions already being carried out,” the statement said.

According to Katz, if Israeli forces suffer casualties, Hamas and the population of Gaza will pay a high and disproportionate price.

Last year, on the second anniversary of the devastating October 7 Hamas attack, terrorists from Gaza fired a rocket toward the border community of Netiv Ha’asara.

Since then, no rocket fired from Gaza has crossed into Israeli territory.