Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with troops along the front line and vowed to imminently begin the “next step,” which is widely believed to be a ground invasion. In the wake of the deadly, Hamas-led terrorist attacks that have left more than 1,300 Israelis dead, Israel has activated more than 300,000 reservists and ordered civilians in northern Gaza to evacuate the area in under 24 hours.
Netanyahu previously told President Biden that the nation has “no choice” but to launch a ground invasion after the attacks. The operation is expected to be greater in intensity than previous incursions into the Gaza Strip, as Israeli officials have stated that they will be seeking the complete dissolution of Hamas.
The Israeli Defense forces have already responded to the attacks with a devastating air campaign targeting Hamas leadership, weapons depots, safe houses, and tunnel networks. Palestinian authorities have reported that more than 1,000 militants and civilians have been killed as a result of the strikes. IDF ground forces have also completed limited ground incursions into Gaza territory in efforts to rescue hostages and recover bodies.
According to Israeli news outlet Channel 12, the wider ground invasion is expected to begin this evening.