WSJ: Israel is preparing a large-scale ground operation in Gaza

Israeli authorities are planning a large-scale ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

This was reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing sources.

According to its information, the leadership of the Jewish state believes that capturing and holding a significant part of the Palestinian enclave will allow them to achieve a final victory over the radical Hamas movement. As the publication indicated, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his inner circle believe that with the support of offensive actions from the new American administration and with the weakening of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Israeli army has enough capabilities to conduct such military operations.

At the same time, for a final victory over Hamas, the newspaper noted, Israel will have to completely destroy the system of underground tunnels and other infrastructure facilities of the movement, which could take several months or even years. Opponents of Netanyahu's new strategy believe that eliminating the radical organization without a political settlement of the conflict will simply be impossible.

Earlier, the Israeli Prime Minister's office reported that Netanyahu held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Mark Rubio. Details of the conversation were not provided, but it was noted that "Rubio expressed the United States' full and unconditional support for Israel and its policies."

Recall that on March 18, the Israeli army resumed hostilities in Gaza, launching massive airstrikes on the enclave. Netanyahu's office explained this by Hamas's rejection of proposals put forward by mediators and US Presidential Special Envoy Steven Witkoff during negotiations, stating that the goal of the operation in the sector is to free all hostages.