TEL AVIV: In a significant development, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has said that they are prepared to launch the much-anticipated ground offensive to dismantle the Palestinian terror group Hamas and their strongholds in Gaza, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post. At a briefing held at the country's southern border, Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, the IDF Chief-of-Staff, left no room for ambiguity, stating, "I want to be clear, we are ready to invade." He went on to explain that the IDF was currently assessing the precise timing for a potential ground invasion of Gaza, in coordination with the nation's political leadership.


IDF Explains On Delay In Gaza Ground Invasion


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Addressing the delay in responding to Hamas terror attacks on October 7, Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi highlighted the strategic reasoning behind it. He emphasized, "At this stage, there are tactical and strategic factors which are allowing us more time to improve and to exploit every minute to be more ready." He stressed that every passing minute was used to target the enemy, eliminating fighters, commanders, and infrastructure, and gathering valuable intelligence for future actions. "We are keeping him in tension," Halevi noted, explaining that the longer Hamas waited, the more pressure it would face.


 



 


IAF Continues To Pound Hamas Positions In Gaza


 


On a separate front, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) revealed its successful counterterrorism operation, guided by the Shin Bet intelligence agency. The IAF thwarted several terrorists belonging to the Hamas organization. Among those targeted were Abd al-Rahman, deputy commander of the Nuzirat Battalion, who participated in a lethal raid on Kibbutz Bari, as well as Khalil Mahjaz, deputy commander of the Shati Battalion, and Khalil Tethari, deputy commander of the Sheik Radwan Battalion. 


 


IDF Warns Hamas


 


In a sharp warning to Hamas, which now has around 220 hostages according to Israel, the Israel Defence Forces said: "If your will is to live in peace and to have a better future for your children, do the humanitarian deed immediately and share verified and valuable information about hostages being held in your area." "The Israeli military assures you that it will invest maximum effort in providing security for you and your home, and you will receive a financial reward. We guarantee you complete confidentiality," it said, sharing contact details for anyone with information to come forward.


 



 


We Will Crush Hamas: Netanyahu


 


Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left no doubt about Israel's objective. He affirmed that the sole mission was to dismantle Hamas, vowing to persist until the task is accomplished. "With the fighters in the field, we have only one task -- to crush Hamas, and we will not stop until we complete the task," the Israeli PM declared.


In the midst of escalating tensions, alarm sirens were reported in Netiv Ha'asara, a kibbutz just north of Gaza. Similar incidents had been earlier recorded in Zikim and Karmia. While many residents chose to evacuate, those who remained were advised to stay indoors and secure their homes.


This development marks a critical moment in the ongoing situation between Israel and Hamas, as both sides remain on high alert.