IDF deploys armored units towards Rafah border crossing in response to militant activity

On the evening of Monday, new footage released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) depicted the deployment of Merkava lll and lV Main Battle Tanks, Puma Armored-Engineering Vehicles, and Namer Armored-Personnel Carriers belonging to the 162nd “Ha-Plada” Division, comprising both the 401st “Iron Tracks” Armor Brigade and the 84th “Givati” Brigade, as they crossed the border fence separating Israel and southwestern Gaza. Their objective was to initiate combat operations eastward of Rafah with a primary focus on capturing the Rafah Border Crossing linking Gaza and Egypt. This development follows previous reports indicating that the IDF has chosen to seize the border crossing due to evidence suggesting Palestinian militants had utilized the crossing for military purposes.