IDF eliminates armed terrorist near Nir Oz - Border infiltration thwarted

An armed terrorist attempted to infiltrate Israel near Kibbutz Nir Oz on the Gaza border but was swiftly neutralized by IDF forces, the military confirmed.

An armed terrorist approached the border fence in the area of Nir Oz, in the Eshkol Regional Council, in the southern Gaza Strip. The Eshkol Regional Council issued a statement to the residents: "A short time ago, IDF forces identified an armed terrorist who approached the area of the perimeter fence near settlements on the border in the southern Gaza Strip. The IDF responded with gunfire and the terrorist was neutralized. We are in regular contact with military officials and there is no threat to our communities."

The IDF said: "IDF forces recently identified an armed terrorist who tried to approach the perimeter fence in the southern Gaza Strip and posed a threat to the forces. IDF forces operating in the area fired at the terrorist and killed him before he reached the fence."

The infiltration attempt comes in the shadow of the Defense Minister's announcement this morning about the expansion of Operation Strength and Sword.

In a statement, Katz said: "Operation Strength and Sword in Gaza is expanding to crush and cleanse the area of terrorists and terror infrastructure, and to seize large areas that will be annexed to the security zones of the State of Israel – I call on the residents of Gaza to act now to remove Hamas and return all the hostages. I wish success to the IDF soldiers who are fighting bravely and powerfully in Gaza for the return of the abductees and the defeat of Hamas."