Israel’s Defence Forces have spent the past week preparing for a massive operation to crush Hamas after some 360,000 reservists were called up to encircle Gaza with tanks, artillery and armoured vehicles.
But now the expected ground assault appears to be on hold, with IDF spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht refusing to confirm his troops will deploy into the Palestinian enclave.
‘We are preparing for the next stages of war. We haven’t said what they will be,’ Lt Col Hecht teased.
‘Everybody’s talking about the ground offensive. It might be something different.’
The IDF’s ambiguous messaging around its expected onslaught in Gaza comes hours before US President Joe Biden is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with speculation the next step of the Israeli military operation may be postponed until after the leaders share talks.
In the meantime, Israel’s air force continues its incessant bombing campaign of targets throughout Gaza.
The enclave’s Health Ministry…