The head of the Israeli army's Southern Command, Gen. Yoav Galant, warned local regional council heads on Wednesday that sustained artillery attacks from Hamas-ruled Gaza are likely to resume soon, necessitating another strong military response by Israel.

Marking the first anniversary of last year's Gaza war, Galant told the residents of Israel's western Negev region that they should "prepare themselves for another round of fighting."

"It’s true that we are after the first rains, and the sun is shining, but one can see the dark clouds in the distance," said Galant.

A day later, Palestinian terrorists operating out of Gaza fired 10 mortar shells into southern Israel. There were no injuries or damage. Israel responded by dropping leaflets over Gaza warning residents to stay away from areas where terrorists are operating.