Israel continues its war in Gaza, but prepares for scenarios in other areas as well. This was stated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, quoted by "Reuters".
His remarks come amid growing fears that Iran is preparing to strike Israel in response to the killing of senior Iranian commanders.
"If someone harms us, we will harm them. We are ready to meet all the security needs of the State of Israel - both defensive and offensive," he warned.
Israel is bracing for possible retaliation by Iran for the killing of a top general and six other Iranian officials in an airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in the Syrian capital Damascus on April 1.
Israel has not claimed responsibility for the April 1 attack, for which Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that Israel "must and will be punished".
Netanyahu made his statement as Israeli troops and warplanes launched an operation in central Gaza. The army claims that it is aimed at destroying the infrastructure of armed Palestinian groups.
Most Israeli troops were withdrawn from Gaza in preparation for an assault on the city of Rafah in the southern part of the enclave, where more than 1 million Palestinians have taken refuge. However, fighting continues in various areas of Gaza.
"It is as if the occupation army has started a new war," Rauf Abed, 20, said via a chat app from Deir al-Balah, south of al-Nuseirat refugee camp. "There are constant explosions. "Every time we hope for a ceasefire, Israel escalates the aggression as if they are trying to put pressure on ``Hamas'' by attacking us civilians,'' he said.