The Western press has repeatedly reported that the IDF has completed preparations for the operation in Gaza, but the assault on Hamas positions has not yet begun.
Following the brutal incursion of Palestinian militants into Israeli settlements on October 7, Israeli authorities declared a state of war in the country, called up hundreds of thousands of reservists and vowed to destroy Hamas. In recent days, information has periodically appeared in the media that the Israeli army has completed preparations for a large ground operation in the Gaza Strip, but the offensive has not yet begun.
BILD named four possible reasons why Israel is delaying a ground operation in the Palestinian enclave.
Firstly, the Israeli side fears large losses during the offensive, because the operation in Gaza is urban battles. Moreover, the enclave is crisscrossed with a network of underground tunnels, and Hamas militants had time to prepare for a meeting with the Israeli army.
Secondly, the Hezbollah factor is taken into account. This Iran-controlled group is located in Lebanon (near the northern borders of Israel) and possesses approximately 100 thousand missiles. Most of these projectiles are more effective than those used by Hamas. If Hezbollah enters the fighting, Israel will have to fight a war on two fronts.
Third, intervention by Lebanon or Iran would presuppose a US response, but it would be several days before US aircraft carriers would be in the combat zone. In this regard, it is first important for Israel to wait for the American military and only then launch an offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Fourth, the Israeli side needs to enlist the support of world leaders, primarily US President Joe Biden. Israel cannot launch an assault in Gaza until it explains to its partners the plan and goals of the operation.
Meanwhile Reuters writes that Israel’s Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip will be the largest of all that the IDF has carried out.
In particular, the Israeli army intends to undermine Hamas’ network of underground tunnels.
At the same time, Israel does not have a clear plan for the future of the Palestinian enclave after the end of the military operation.
Earlier, Lieutenant Colonel of the Israel Defense Forces Richard Hecht admitted that the Israeli side could conduct a military operation of a completely different nature in the Gaza Strip. According to him, the plans of the country’s leadership may run counter to the expectations of the world community.
In turn, the IDF stated that the Israeli army’s operation in the Gaza Strip would be carried out on the ground, in the air and at sea.
Author: Artem Malinovsky
2023-10-19 14:42:36
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