Israel’s military is pushing for a ground invasion of Gaza “sooner rather than later” in a reported rift with Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Israeli prime minister is believed to be delaying the operation, fearing a second front with Hezbollah in the country’s north.

On Monday, several Israeli media outlets reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are anxious to start the invasion as troops wait on the border following the biggest mobilisation drive for 50 years.

It came as the IDF clashed with Hamas inside Gaza during night-time raids thought to be part of reconnaissance and intelligence gathering missions ahead of a full assault.

Military sources said the IDF must begin its ground operation in Gaza “sooner rather than later” and that it is “fully prepared for a ground offensive” in comments published by The Times of Israel on Monday.

Defence officials warned that the Israeli government needs to make up its mind soon since the troops have been stationed by the border for many days now and “can only remain in a heightened state of readiness for so long”.

Israel called up over 300,000 reservists within days of the Oct 7 attacks and large numbers of troops and weaponry were already seen in the south shortly afterwards.