Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel is prepared to wage a broad military campaign in Gaza if needed, after a two-day flare-up of cross-border fighting that has thrust his security policies to the fore two weeks before an election.
In Gaza, Hamas organizers announced plans for a massive protest on Saturday along the border to mark the anniversary of weekly riots.
Israel launched airstrikes and moved troops and armor reinforcements to the Gaza border this week after a rocket attack from the Hamas-controlled coastal enclave wounded seven Israelis in a community in the Sharon region on Monday.
"All Israelis should know that if a comprehensive campaign is required, we will enter it strong and safe, and after we have exhausted all of the other possibilities," Netanyahu said after visiting the Gaza frontier and meeting with IDF commanders.
Although this week's fighting has since died down amid Egyptian mediation, Israel's security posture toward Gaza will be tested again by what are expected to be massive demonstrations on Saturday.
The protests are often used as cover by terrorists to try infiltrating Israel and attack IDF soldiers defending the border.
"The military will resort to a very strong hand against anyone trying to confront our troops," Interior Minister Aryeh Deri told Army Radio. "Let no one blame Israel after."
