IDF Strike in Gaza Coordinated with U.S. Central Command
An Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strike yesterday in the Nuseirat area of the central Gaza Strip, targeting a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) operative allegedly planning an attack, was carried out with prior coordination with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), according to security sources.
The operation, which took place on Saturday, was not initiated at the request of the U.S. but involved notifying American representatives up to the level of the CENTCOM commander. Intelligence indicated the target was preparing an imminent terrorist attack against IDF forces, prompting the strike. The IDF stated the operation “focused” on the PIJ operative who “planned to carry out an imminent terrorist attack against IDF troops.” This level of coordination highlights the sensitivity of military actions during ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
The intelligence process involved multiple layers within the IDF, from the Southern Command through the Intelligence Directorate to the Chief of Staff, and ultimately the political echelon, before being relayed through the U.S. coordination mechanism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the strike at a Cabinet meeting today, stating, “Our security policy is in our own hands… We are not prepared to tolerate attacks against us.” He further emphasized, “Israel is a sovereign state, and we will defend ourselves on our own and continue to determine our destiny,” echoing recent statements regarding Israel’s security autonomy, as detailed by the U.S. State Department.
The PIJ has denied the IDF’s claims, calling the narrative “false” and accusing Israel of using the allegation to justify the strike and violate the ceasefire. The group called for mediators to hold Israel accountable. The incident marks the first known deployment of a new “threat-removal” mechanism requiring U.S. oversight, a process implemented to safeguard the ceasefire and rules negotiated with Washington, as reported in our previous coverage of the ongoing conflict.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was also briefed on the incident, and officials indicated that Israel will continue to act on security threats as it deems necessary.
