With less than 24 hours to the end of the Gaza ceasefire, the IDF is busy preparing for a number of scenarios, with intelligence experts predicting a major wave of rocket fire can be expected. The timing of major Homefront Command efforts in southern cities and municipalities is not a coincidence, with the army aware Hamas possesses longer range rockets that are capable of striking other areas including Ashdod and Kiryat Malachi.

IDF intelligence reports that Hamas used the ceasefire to advance its capabilities and during the six-month period, it imported more advanced rockets into Gaza to enable terrorists to step-up attacks, striking deeper into southern Israel. One official source said, “Hamas is not the same Hamas it was before the ceasefire,” explaining the terror organization significantly improved its capabilities.

Brigadier-General (reserves) Tzviki Fogel, a former Gaza Division commander stated on Wednesday that unfortunately, the offensive did not take place six months ago, and as a result, when the troops are ordered into Gaza, it will be significantly more costly for the IDF.

In the meantime, there is no visible change in IDF tactics. There is no troop buildup along the Gaza border and the open-fire and operational orders for troops patrolling the Gaza border have not changed. Soldiers are basically prevented from doing anything in the area.

There are also credible intelligence warnings that Hamas is increasing efforts to perpetrate a “quality attack,” perhaps kidnapping additional soldiers from along the order area.

In the meantime, it has been over 900 days, the current administration is winding down, the nation is preparing for elections, and there is no word on the condition of captive soldier Gilad Shalit.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)