Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, says a ground invasion of Gaza is coming soon and that “all of Hamas members are dead men walking.”
In an address to the nation on Wednesday, Netanyahu said Israel is “getting prepared” for the ground invasion but did not say when it would happen and added that troops have already “eliminated thousands of terrorists.”
NEWSOM DEFENDS FAILURE TO ADDRESS HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES WITH CHINA'S XI JINPING
"I want to make it very clear, the timing of the operation of the IDF is unanimously determined by the Cabinet that runs the war along with the chief of the general staff," he said, according to the Times of Israel. "We work in order to secure the best optimal conditions for their next operations."
Hamas terrorists launched a deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, killing more than 1,400 Israelis in the process. Israel had been widely expected to have launched a ground offensive into Gaza by now but has yet to do so. It has nonetheless been pummeling the enclave with airstrikes, as well as sending in small teams, in part, to navigate a tricky hostage situation. More than 220 people were taken hostage by Hamas, with just four released to date.
During his speech, Netanyahu also sidestepped responsibility for missing potential warning signs about the attack.
“Everyone will have to give answers on the debacle — including myself — after the war,” he said.
Israel has reportedly agreed temporarily to delay the ground invasion so the United States, its staunchest ally, can deploy additional air defense systems in the region to protect U.S. troops, according to the Wall Street Journal.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Tzachi Hanegbi, head of Israel’s National Security Council, has praised the role played by Qatar in hostage mediation thus far.
"I’m pleased to say that Qatar is becoming an essential party and stakeholder in the facilitation of humanitarian solutions," Hanegbi wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Qatar’s diplomatic efforts are crucial at this time."