Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after consultations with defense officials, has decided that Israel will respond strongly to a recent deadly attack by Hamas on Israeli troops in southern Gaza. Despite this, Israel aims to maintain the momentum needed to secure the return of remaining hostages as outlined in the first phase of Washington's ceasefire framework. A security official emphasized that Israel does not wish to see the ceasefire collapse, but will continue to respond to violations as long as they occur. The area between the military's withdrawal line and the Egyptian border remains a potential flashpoint, with concerns about Hamas militants operating underground and targeting Israeli forces.