IDF chief – ‘Gaza ground offensive delayed for strategic considerations’

Following reports Israel is delaying ground operation in Gaza Strip due to US pressure, IDF chief of staff says army has pushed off incursion due to ‘strategic considerations.’

By Pesach Benson, TPS

The Israeli ground invasion of Gaza is being delayed by “strategic considerations,” the Israel Defense Forces’ Chief of Staff told reporters on Monday.

“The IDF is ready for the [ground] maneuver, and we will make a decision with the political echelon regarding the shape and timing of the next stage,” said Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi at a press conference near the Gaza border.

Halevi said that there are “tactical and even strategic considerations” delaying the ground offensive, but stressed that the IDF is taking advantage of the interval.

It is widely speculated in Israel that the ground war’s delay is because of a desire for more intelligence on the location of more than 200 hostages being held in Gaza, or American pressure.

“We are making use of every minute to be even more prepared. And every minute that passes on the other side, we strike the enemy even more. Killing terrorists, destroying infrastructure, collecting more intelligence for the next stage,” he said.

“We fight not just to remember, but primarily because we know that there is something to fight for—this is our country, our home, and we will defend it in every way,” Halevi added.

Gazagaza stripHamasHerzi HaleviIDFIDF chief of staff