The Israeli Army Raises Readiness in Anticipation of the Possible Capture of Soldiers During Its Incursion into Gaza City

SadaNews - The Israeli army has raised its alert level in anticipation of the possibility that resistance factions in the Gaza Strip may capture soldiers as part of escalating ground operations and incursions into Gaza City, while security agencies warn of "qualitative operations" that could target Israelis abroad.

According to security estimates reported by Channel 12 on Wednesday evening, the goal of capturing soldiers goes beyond an immediate tactical gain and includes an attempt to impose a new reality by increasing the number of Israeli prisoners held by resistance factions.

Israeli security sources considered that the Palestinian factions are seeking through this to "send a message that the operation to occupy Gaza will not only prevent the release of Israeli prisoners in Gaza, but will also lead to an increase in their numbers."

The sources mentioned that the increase in readiness is accompanied by a heightened level of vigilance among field units on the combat fronts, and that the instructions directed to field personnel call for "exceptional caution" in areas of direct friction with resistance fighters.

The channel noted that intelligence estimates have detected increasing intentions among armed groups to carry out qualitative operations targeting Israelis abroad, with a particular focus on Taba and the Sinai Peninsula during the Jewish holidays.

The Israeli National Security Council has issued a level four travel warning for the Sinai Peninsula and the Taba area, indicating that this warning signifies a "high threat" and necessitates reconsideration of the advisability of traveling to these areas.

Consultations are underway within security agencies regarding whether to tighten the existing travel warning or simply confirm the current risk level, amid official calls for clear advice to citizens against traveling to the mentioned areas.

Earlier this week, the Israeli National Security Council warned that the second anniversary of the October 7 attack "marks an important time point," noting the possibility of an increase in attempts to target Israelis and Jews abroad during this period.

The publication of the warning "comes as Jewish holidays approach," detailing the "updated threats against Israelis abroad." The National Security Council stated that the purpose of the publication is to "raise awareness among the Israeli public regarding security risks in various parts of the world and to take preventive measures accordingly."