Hezbollah, the real cause of delay of the IOF ground invasion of Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
17 Oct 2023 01:15
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The Jerusalem Post states that the delay was to double-check matters regarding Hezbollah's intentions, as well as the plan to replenish and reinforce the IOF in the north if push comes to shove.

Israeli tanks head toward the Gaza Strip border in southern Israel on October 13, 2023. (AP)

According to The Jerusalem Post, citing sources, one factor behind the delay of "Israel's" ground invasion of Gaza has been the concern that Hezbollah is waiting for that moment to open a full battle front with the IOF in the north.

JP stated that the delay was to double-check matters regarding Hezbollah's intentions, as well as the plan to replenish and reinforce the IOF in the north if push comes to shove.

Initially scheduled for the past weekend, it was postponed for a few days, allegedly due to adverse weather conditions that would have complicated the task of Israeli pilots and drone operators providing air support to ground forces, The New York Times reported, citing three senior Israeli military officials who provided non-classified information about the operation.

The Israeli military is making preparations for a forthcoming invasion of the Gaza Strip. Tens of thousands of troops have been directed "to take control of Gaza City," as per the report.

'Don't be too confident'

It is also acknowledged within the IOF and at the political level, that "Israel's" forces have faced nothing like this before and that rushing into an invasion unprepared in an effort for retribution could amount to a big mistake.

With the many "rounds" of conflict, the JP claims that the IOF should not display "too much confidence" in its talent in ground invasions.

Hamas military wing, Martyr Izz El-Din Al-Qassam Brigades, published a video titled: "A message to the [Israeli] ground forces: This is what awaits you when you enter Gaza."#Gaza #GazaUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/ljyh10FjyN
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 14, 2023

As per JP's analyses, other factors include US pressure to prevent civilian casualties, concerns about Israeli hostages in Gaza, global responses, and assigning more time for Palestinians to evacuate.

The analyses confirmed from multiple sources that it has not yet been decided what will happen after the IOF allegedly starts their ground invasion.

In a report penned by political analyst Sherit Avitan Cohen on Sunday, the Israeli leadership appears divided on the primary goals behind the potential ground invasion. Cohen's insights shed light on the internal debate that has become increasingly pronounced in recent days.

Cohen highlights the contrasting stances taken by different factions within the Israeli government. On the one hand, the cabinet maintains that the primary objective of any ground invasion would be to weaken Hamas, targeting its military capabilities and influence.

However, the Israeli occupation forces and their spokespersons hold a divergent view. They articulate a more concise and aggressive goal: the defeat of Hamas and the elimination of all individuals involved in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

Furthermore, a recent report by Bloomberg shows that the Biden administration is worried that "Israel" is shortsightedly fixated on invading Gaza and has no robust plan that would grant it a sustainable solution.

While the US has pledged unconditional support for "Israel" in its aggression against Gaza, it is concerned about the possible repercussions of the ground invasion, the report explains, listing a set of concerns:

- The conflict could snowball into a regional war that would involve other parties, such as the Lebanese Islamic Resistance - Hezbollah;

- The humanitarian toll on Palestinian civilians could subject "Israel" and the US to increased international pressure;

- Exacerbation of the struggle and increased Palestinian casualties could place normalization deals with Arab governments at risk;

- The fate of the captives, which "Israel" seems to have decided to sacrifice as "collateral damage" in its war against Gaza;

- "Israel" has no prospective plan for Gaza beyond their determination to "destroy" Hamas.