Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the Israel Defence Forces Chief has said that the military is carrying out ground operations in the Gaza Strip at present which serve to achieve all the war's objectives.
IDF shared a video on X, saying, "Watch this never-before-seen footage of combat soldiers from the IDF's Shaldag Unit operating to neutralize terrorists and rescue the civilians of Kibbutz Be'eri."
IDF forces under the command of the Givati (infantry) Brigade overnight carried out a targeted raid using tanks in the territory of the northern Gaza Strip. The IDF said this was part of the preparation of the area for the next stage of combat.
Meanwhile, as a "ground offensive" of the besieged Gaza Strip loomed, hundreds of Israeli tanks were deployed near the border in South Israel, waiting for the all-clear from the country's political establishment and the military top brass.
"We are preparing for a ground incursion. I won't specify when, how, how many. I also won't detail the range of considerations, most of which the public is not aware of. And that's the way it is supposed to be. This is the way, so that we protect our soldiers' lives."
Notably, Hamas launched a horrific terror attack on Israel on October 7 which killed more than 1400 people. In response, Israel launched a strong counter-offensive against Hamas, targeting the units of the terror group.
Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, several Merkava tanks and troops have been positioned by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) near the Gaza border in South Israel.
Ahead of a likely ground offensive against terrorist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum headquarters in Israel on Saturday launched a "Lighting up the Light" campaign for the early return of hostages.
Meanwhile, the United States deployed two carrier strike groups, each consisting of an aircraft carrier, its planes, and several escort warships, which appeared to have deterred Hezbollah from attacking Israel in a major war
As a "ground offensive" of the besieged Gaza Strip loomed, hundreds of Israeli tanks were deployed near the border in south Israel on Thursday, waiting for the all-clear from the country's political establishment and the military top brass.
US and Israeli Intelligence agencies are working to determine whether Israel's expected ground offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip could prompt Hezbollah to launch a large-scale military campaign against Israel from Lebanon.
Brigade and battalion commanders, many of whom have never entered into Gaza Strip were shown from combat helicopters where ground troops are expected to enter and advance during the looming ground offensive.