Israel launches ground maneuver as tensions escalate in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his close circle believe that with the support of offensive actions by the new US administration and the weakening of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Israeli army has the capability to carry out a large-scale ground operation in the Gaza Strip, writes "The Wall Street Journal."

However, the newspaper notes that to achieve ultimate victory over Hamas, Israel would have to completely destroy the underground tunnel system used by the organization. This — according to the WSJ — could take several months or even years.

Opponents of Netanyahu's new strategy believe that eliminating the radical organization without a political resolution to the conflict is simply impossible.

The Israeli army announced on March 19 that it has begun a "precise" ground operation in the Gaza Strip. The aim of this operation is to expand the buffer zone and regain control over the Netzarim corridor, which divides the Palestinian territory into the southern and northern parts.

The decision to start the ground actions followed the resumption of attacks on the Gaza Strip, which had previously been conducted from the air and sea.

Israel launched a new offensive, emphasizing that this is a reaction to Hamas' rejection of further proposals to extend the truce. Negotiations on this matter have stalled.

The Israeli government pressured Hamas to agree to extend the ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages and the promise to negotiate a lasting truce. Hamas has declared readiness for talks but under the condition of halting the fighting.