docs(validators): require operator gas funding

Author: MuncleUscles

pages/validators/setup-guide.mdx

@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ GenLayer validators use three distinct addresses:
 | Address | Description | Where Used |
 |---------|-------------|------------|
 | **Owner** | The only address that can withdraw staked funds. Keep this secure (cold wallet). | CLI wizard - signs staking transaction |
-| **Operator** | Hot wallet on your server that signs blocks. Can be same as owner, but separate is recommended. | Node config: `operatorAddress` |
+| **Operator** | Hot wallet on your server that signs blocks and submits validator transactions. It must hold liquid GEN to pay gas. Can be the same as the owner, but a separate account is recommended. | Node config: `operatorAddress` |
 | **Validator Wallet** | Smart contract created when you join. This is your validator's on-chain identity. | Node config: `validatorWalletAddress` |
 
 The wizard outputs all three addresses at the end. Save them - you'll need the Validator Wallet and Operator addresses for your node configuration.
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ The wizard outputs all three addresses at the end. Save them - you'll need the V
   ```bash copy
   npm install -g genlayer
   ```
-- **GEN tokens** - You need at least **42,000 GEN** for the minimum self-stake requirement
+- **GEN tokens** - You need at least **42,000 GEN** for the minimum self-stake requirement, plus a separate liquid balance for operator gas if you use a different operator account
 
 ### Using the Validator Wizard
 
@@ -146,6 +146,28 @@ The wizard guides you through:
 
 The wizard creates and exports an operator keystore file for you to transfer to your validator server. If your server is compromised, your staked funds (controlled by owner) remain safe.
 
+#### Fund the Operator Wallet
+
+The operator signs and submits on-chain validator duties, including epoch priming, proposals, votes, and finalization. A separate operator therefore needs a liquid GEN balance for gas. GEN staked through the Validator Wallet, including vesting-backed stake, cannot pay the operator's gas.
+
+Send a gas buffer to the operator address from a funded account before starting the node. You can use your wallet UI or, when the funding account is stored in the CLI, run:
+
+```bash copy
+genlayer account send 0xYourOperatorAddress... 10gen
+```
+
+The required buffer depends on network activity and gas prices. Monitor and top it up before it runs out. Verify the operator balance on the node's target network:
+
+```bash copy
+genlayer balances --beneficiary 0xYourOperatorAddress...
+```
+
+<Callout type="warning" emoji="⛽">
+  A zero operator balance prevents priming and other consensus transactions even
+  when the Validator Wallet has enough stake. The node can remain synced while
+  missing validator duties, so verify this balance independently of sync health.
+</Callout>
+
 ### Verify Your Validator
 
 After completing the wizard, verify your status:
@@ -599,8 +621,9 @@ Once you have configured everything, you are ready to start the node.
     **Important:** Before starting the node, ensure you have:
     1. **Operator key** imported into the node (see "Import the Operator Key" above)
     2. **Validator wallet address** - obtained after joining as validator via `genlayer staking wizard` or `validator-join`
+    3. **Funded operator address** - the configured operator must hold liquid GEN for priming and other validator transaction gas (see "Fund the Operator Wallet" above)
 
-    Without both configured, your node will run as a full node instead of a validator.
+    Without the operator key and Validator Wallet configured, your node will run as a full node instead of a validator. Without operator gas, it cannot submit validator duties.
 </Callout>
 
 #### Running the Node using the binary