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Israel’s expected ground offensive into the Gaza Strip to knock out Hamas and the terror-labeled group’s tunnels will be difficult and protracted, the Israeli defense minister says.
– It will take time, says Yoav Gallant.
According to Gallant, the recent Israeli ground raids into Gaza are a direct preparation for an imminent offensive. Soldiers and armored vehicles, supported by aircraft, drones and artillery, have attacked Hamas strongholds and military infrastructure two nights in a row.
One goal of an upcoming ground offensive is to destroy Hamas’ extensive network of tunnels.
Gallant, in a meeting with a small group of journalists on Friday, describes the whole thing as a challenging undertaking that will take time. He also flags that an offensive will usher in a period of low-intensity fighting in which Israel fights “pockets of resistance” by Hamas.
The Minister of Defense also warns that Hamas is likely trying to seize the fuel – intended for the hospitals’ generators – that reaches the Gaza Strip with aid shipments. According to Yoav Gallant, Hamas needs the fuel to pump air into its tunnels.
– For air, they need oil. For oil, they need us, says Gallant, about the introduction of fuel into the area.
He has repeated several times in recent weeks that Israel intends to carry out a ground offensive, but without specifying a time.
– We are preparing the continuation of the offensive, and new steps are being taken, Gallant said in a televised speech on Thursday.