A senior security official at the end of the assessment of the situation: "It is impossible to guarantee that Hamas will not join"

A senior political official said today (Tuesday) at the end of a situation assessment by Prime Minister Binyamin and Netanyahu and the Security Council with senior security officials about the tensions in the Gaza Strip and the 'Shield and Arrow' operation to attack targets of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization: "This is a targeted campaign against the Jihad while making sure to differentiate Hamas through mediation and overt and secret messages. It is impossible to guarantee that Hamas will not join and the security establishment is prepared for that," he said.

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He further added: "At the military level, they recognize a significant damage to the activities of the Jihad, mainly in the direction of activity in the Jewish community following the elimination of the specific personalities."

At the same time, the IDF spokesman informed that Defense Minister Yoav Galant approved a decision on a "special situation" in the home front, while at the same time, the Home Front Command published special instructions in the home front for a range of up to 40 km from the Gaza Strip, with the instructions valid until May 10, at 6 p.m. :00.

In the meantime, the Minister of Defense, Yoav Galant, finished a round of talks with the heads of the authorities in the Gaza Strip. Minister Galant updated the heads of the authorities on the details of the operational activity tonight, and emphasized to them that the security system is prepared to handle the needs of the residents. The Minister of Defense spoke with the Mayor of Sderot – Alon Davidi, the Mayor of Ashkelon – Tomer Glam, the Mayor of Netivot – Yehiel Zohar, the Mayor of Ofakim – Itzik Danino, the Mayor of Ashdod – Yehiel Lesri, the Head of the Eshkol Regional Council – Gadi Yarkoni, the Head of the Regional Council Sdot Negev – Tamir Aidan, Head of the Ashkelon Beach Regional Council – Itamar Rabivo, Head of the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council – Ofir Libstein and Head of the Merhavim Regional Council – Shay Hajj.

Gallant and the top of the defense establishment during the execution of the senior officials (photo: Office of the Minister of Defense)

The IDF and Shin Bet tonight carried out a precise and successful operation against the leadership of the Islamic Jihad organization in the Gaza Strip. We will not tolerate shooting that threatens the residents of Israel, this is not only an act of terrorism, but a challenge to our presence," Gallant clarified. "Already on Tuesday, I instructed the IDF and the Shin Bet to be ready to thwart the three terrorists who were killed tonight, who are responsible for firing rockets into Israel and for directing numerous attacks in Israel."

"We must be prepared for any scenario, including a prolonged campaign and the expansion of firing ranges," the minister added. "It is of great importance that the citizens, under your leadership, be disciplined, attentive and obey life-saving instructions. The IDF and the security forces are prepared by all means on all fronts.'

Finally, Galant clarified that "the security system will provide whatever assistance is required, I instructed the professionals to be in continuous contact with you and take care of everything required for the residents' needs. You have the full support of the security system.'