Netanyahu: "We are prepared for any violation of the cease-fire."

"Israel is closely tracking the implementation of the cease-fire and we are prepared for a case in which it is violated", stated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, yesterday. "The IDF has reinforced ground forces to address any scenario. The forces, who were not there prior to the operation, will stay in the Gaza Envelope Settlements area, in order to give the residents there better protection. He also stressed that "the security of the residents in the area is much better and a lot safer than it was before the operation". Israeli forces that withdrew from the Gaza Strip, have now deployed a line of defense near the border in case more ground activity is necessary. Concurrently, thousands of reservists have been released, and humanitarian efforts in Gaza have begun, including shipments of thousands of tons of food and medical supplies, as well as supplies to repair electricity infrastructure and drinking water.

The Chief of General Staff concluded the current campaign with a warning to the Hamas leaders: "IDF are not going anywhere."  In a journalist briefing the Chief of General Staff (CGS) concluded the current campaign with a warning to the Hamas leaders stressing that "IDF are not going anywhere. They are here to protect, they are deployed and awaiting the next challenge". He sent out a soothing message to the Gaza Envelope residents: "You can live a quality life here".  With the announcement of the temporary ceasefire and the intense talks in Cairo in the background, the CGS Lt. General Benny Gantz referred to the ending of the current campaign today. "Hamas leaders are hiding in their cellars and anywhere we can hurt them, we will when we wish to", he stressed.  "We are at the end of an ongoing campaign, which began with intense fire and continued with a significant ground offensive inside Gaza territory", the CGS said. "The result in Gaza is destructive and the tragic fault lays in Hamas hands, which brought this result because they operate out of civilian population without distinguishing".

Gantz referred to the fear which Gaza Envelope residents have expressed to return to their homes, because of the tunnel threat, which its dimensions were exposed during the war. "I am convinced that the Gaza Envelope population can return to their homes, open the fields and come back to live a quality life here", Gantz said. IDF are not going anywhere. They are here to protect, they are deployed and awaiting the next challenge".  Ganz also referred to the claims expressed in the past few weeks, which were published in Channel 2 News yesterday, according to which there is tension and controversy between the military echelon and the political echelon. "Though this may seem strange, I ask to stress the tight corporation between IDF and the political echelon", he said. "This should not sound like flattery, but a clarification must be made here.  All in all we work together".

As of today, Israeli official says Israel will extend truce under current terms; Hamas says group will not extend cease-fire unless significant progress is made in negotiations.