Why Israel hasn't launched a ground attack in Gaza yet. What's causing the delay?

Despite previous announcements, Israel has not initiated a ground invasion of Gaza. As per a AFP report, the delay in the offensive is attributed to international pressure, political-military divisions, and concerns over hostages.

The Israeli military continues to bombard the territory, but a full-scale land offensive has not been launched. According to editorial writer Nahum Barnea, there is a crisis of confidence between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the army. The government is facing difficulties in making unanimous decisions on critical issues.

On October 7, Hamas militants carried out a deadly attack in Israel, resulting in shock and outrage. The attack claimed the lives of more than 1,400 people and led to the capture of over 220 hostages. In response, Israel launched a relentless bombardment of Gaza, causing significant casualties. The situation has united both the left and right wings of mainstream Israeli politics.


Tensions have arisen between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the handling of the operations. Disagreements and mutual accusations have surfaced, with some blaming the military for failing to prevent the attack by Hamas militants.

While official statements emphasize unity at the highest levels, commentators argue that the constant mention of agreement reveals the artificial nature of the united front. The presence of hostages in Gaza further complicates the situation, as Israel is cautious about taking action without a resolution to this issue.

Experts suggest that the presence of US military personnel in Israel aims to prevent any actions that could endanger the lives of hostages, including Americans. Despite differing opinions, army chief Herzi Halevi reiterated the goal of completely removing Hamas and its leaders. He assured troops that they are prepared for a ground operation if necessary.

Foreign leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden, have visited Israel in recent weeks, expressing compassion and solidarity. However, political analyst Daniel Bensimon believes that these leaders aim to prevent a ground offensive due to concerns about further regional escalation and Iran's involvement through Hezbollah in Lebanon.

In summary, Israel has not yet launched a ground invasion of Gaza due to international pressure, internal divisions, and concerns over hostages. The Israeli military continues its bombardment of the territory, but disagreements and hesitations within the government have delayed a full-scale operation. The international community, including leaders such as Macron and Biden, expresses support for Israel but also urges caution to prevent further escalation.

(Inputs from AFP)