Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Defense Minister Benny Gantz toured the environs of the Israel-Gaza border Aug. 17. They met with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers serving in that sector, visited the Gaza border division's command room and toured the Iron Dome missile defense system located nearby. The tour took place a day after Israel’s southern town of Sderot was targeted by two rockets fired from the Gaza Strip — the first incident of its kind since the May 10-21 conflict. One rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome system; the other did not cross into Israel.

"The purpose of this tour was to see that the IDF, Southern Command and the Gaza Division are prepared, and they are. Our mission is to provide long-term security to the citizens of the south and along the Gazan border. We will act at the time, place and conditions that we see fit," said Bennett.

The prime minister responded to reports that Hamas did not take responsibility for the rocket fire. The reports said Hamas relayed the message to Israel via Egypt shortly after the incident. Bennett said during the tour that Israel considers Hamas, not any rogue group or any other organization, responsible for the fire.

Gantz said during the tour, "Following 'Operation Guardian of the Walls' we announced that the status quo will be no longer. Our only interests regarding the Gaza Strip are quiet, security and the return of our boys." Gantz was referring to the bodies of two IDF soldiers, Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, held by Hamas since 2014, and to two Israelis, Avraham Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, held in captivity in Gaza since 2014 and 2015 respectively.