Israel’s ground invasion into Gaza is still expected to happen by most accounts, but no one seems to know exactly when it will start. Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said his troops are ready to take their war with Hamas terrorists in Gaza to the next stage, but there are “tactical and strategic considerations” delaying the ground offensive.
When Hamas terrorists launched their surprise attacks on Oct. 7, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli intelligence were caught completely off guard. Hamas killed more than 1,400 people and kidnapped more than 200 men, women and children.
The IDF wants to prevent another intelligence disaster, which is why General Halevi said the Israeli military is taking its time before launching the ground invasion.
The IDF is still expected to continue striking Hamas targets from the air and sea while also hoping to collect vital intelligence about where the hostages are being held.
Hamas uses a vast network of underground tunnels to maneuver troops and weapons around Gaza. The tunnels are also used to make weapons, store supplies, and keep kidnap victims.
Above ground, Hamas has likely laid traps throughout Gaza’s densely populated neighborhoods — traps that Israeli forces will have to deal with soon enough.
Hamas terrorists are also known to operate from within the civilian population, using sites like schools and mosques to hide from Israeli forces. The IDF said part of its mission will be to limit civilian casualties. But as with any war, especially a ground invasion, there will be casualties, and the number in Gaza is expected to be high. It’s why Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) described the upcoming battle in Gaza as “urban warfare on steroids.”
The United States sent several military officers to Israel to help advise on the upcoming operation, including three-star Marine Gen. James Glynn. Glynn led special operations against ISIS and served in Fallujah, Iraq — an urban warfare environment known for its ferocity.
According to the U.S. and Israeli governments, Glynn and his American colleagues are in Israel strictly to offer advice. It is believed that neither side wants to feed into the Iranian-backed narrative that the U.S. controls Israel.
In addition to allowing more time for training and intelligence gathering, delaying the Gaza ground invasion also means Israel and the U.S. will have time to better prepare for the regional fallout expected to follow the invasion.
Iran is backing Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon, along the northern border of Israel. The Iranian regime is also calling in Revolutionary Guard Corps troops from Syria to mass near the Golan area, also to Israel’s north.
While Gaza is expected to be the initial focus of ground operations, sources within the Israeli government have said a northern front could quickly take its place as the primary area of operation for the IDF.
The United States military is also positioning more air defense systems in the Middle East to protect U.S. assets and soldiers. There have been at least half a dozen drone attacks on U.S. military sites in the region since Oct. 7, and the U.S. thinks Iran is behind the strikes, using its many proxies in the region.
As of Oct. 24, Hamas terrorists have released four hostages. The Associated Press cited an anonymous source in the U.S. government who said the Biden administration asked the Israelis to delay the ground assault so both sides can negotiate the release of more hostages. Israel’s patience with those requests is reportedly wearing thin.
When asked if he’d support a “ceasefire for hostages” deal, President Biden said the hostages “should be released first” before talks of a ceasefire begin.
The AP contributed to this report.