Ben-Gvir urges Netanyahu to resume full-scale Gaza operations after Rafah incident

National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir on Sunday publicly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order the Israeli Occupation Forces to resume “full‑scale fighting” in the Gaza Strip, following a security incident in Rafah that 'Israeli' media say left soldiers dead and prompted immediate airstrikes.

In a forceful statement, Ben‑Gvir called on the prime minister to “order the IDF to renew full‑scale fighting in the Strip at full strength.” He argued that any expectation Hamas would change or abide by the ceasefire was dangerous to 'Israeli' security, and described Hamas as a “Nazi terrorist organization” that “must be destroyed completely and the sooner the better.” 

The appeal came after Hebrew media reported a serious security incident in southern Gaza’s Rafah area. 'Israeli' outlets said an explosion struck an engineering vehicle operating in Rafah; 'Israeli' authorities suspect the blast was caused either by an anti‑tank missile or a pre‑planted explosive device. The reports say two 'Israeli' soldiers were killed in the incident. In response, 'Israeli' forces carried out airstrikes on targets in Rafah. 

'Israeli' political and military leadership were reported to be in close consultations after the incident. Channel 12 and other Hebrew outlets said Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz and senior military officials held telephone discussions to evaluate an appropriate response to what 'Israeli' sources characterized as a breach of the ceasefire.