Israel puts ground operation on hold, waiting for US reinforcements

Israel has reportedly agreed to hold off on its planned ground operation in Gaza while the US bolsters its presence in the area.

By Susan Tawil, World Israel News

The IDF has delayed its ground invasion into Gaza, in agreement with America’s request to await additional US forces, Israel’s Galei Tzahal radio reported Monday.

Concerned about the entry of Iran into the war, the U.S.  reportedly wants to bolster its presence in the area before Israel launches an major ground operation.

The Pentagon has already raised the alert level to deploy additional forces and weaponry to the area.

According to the report, the reinforcements are welcomed by Israel, as additional U.S. forces could help discourage enemy attacks on multiple fronts, including on Israel’s northern border.

Meanwhile, prior to its ground incursion, Israel will increase IDF preparedness.

While Israel has no official negotiations with Hamas for the return of the over 220 captives held in the Gaza Strip, the U.S. hopes to secure the release of additional captives.

On Friday, two Israeli-American women were freed, following talks between the U.S. and Qatar, a patron of Gaza with close ties to Hamas.

IDF air strikes continued through the weekend, with Israel striking over 320 targets in Gaza on Sunday, including terrorist tunnels, dozens of operational command centers, and mortar and anti-tank missile launch posts.

Although the ground war is on hold for now, Eliav Benjamin, Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the US, reflected that America understands Israel’s stake in the war. Although the U.S. is currently asking Israel to hold back on escalation, Benjamin said: “At the end of the day, we will do what we need to do, when we need to do it.”