Netanyahu has good reasons to delay the ground invasion of Gaza

Israel has called in more than 300,000 reservists in the 17 days since Hamas’s monstrous attack on 7 October. Many have volunteered for service despite not being called upon. Planes full of Israeli men and women have arrived to Israel from all corners of the earth, carrying those who want to fight in the war. Israel now has more than 500,000 troops ready to be mobilised, and motivation among troops is sky high. 

However, a ground offensive into Gaza is currently on hold, despite some limited raids. The IDF’s spokesperson, Admiral Daniel Hagari, has repeatedly declared that forces are ready and will carry out any mission the government will require it to do. The IDF says it is prepared, but the government seems indecisive. Netanyahu, who has never been keen about ground operations in Gaza, is now being called a ‘coward’ by members of his own government.

There are good reasons for the delay.