Israeli ground forces are “very well prepared” to launch a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said.
Halevi told commanders of the 146th Division in northern Israel, as quoted by the IDF on Telegram, “We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling – its leaders, its military branch, and its working mechanisms. That is why we are striking, and eliminating high-ranking commanders and members, destroying infrastructure, and acting with great determination.”
He added, “The path is a path of unrelenting attacks, damaging Hamas everywhere and in every way. We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south. The Southern Command has quality operational plans.”
Referring to the delays in launching the ground attack, Halevi stated, “There are tactical, operative, strategic considerations that have provided additional time, and troops who have more time are better prepared, and that is what we are doing now.”
The IDF has told the Israeli government that it is fully readied for a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip after 16 days of airstrikes.
The Times of Israel reported, “The [Israeli] military was looking to the government to make a decision soon regarding the ground offensive, as forces stationed by the border can only remain in a heightened state of readiness for so long. But the military understands that there may be additional considerations — such as the issue of the hostages — which may lead to delays.”
