Israel Defense Force (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi announced that the anticipated ground invasion of the Gaza Strip has been delayed for “tactical and even strategic considerations.” Halevi clarified, “We’ve prepared for this. The IDF and the Southern Command have prepared quality offensive plans to achieve the goals of the war. We are making use of every minute to be even more prepared. And every minute that passes on the other side, we strike the enemy even more: killing terrorists, destroying infrastructure, collecting more intelligence for the next stage… this is our state, our home, and we will defend it by every means.” He added, “we will make a decision with the political echelon regarding the shape and timing of the next stage.” Meanwhile, Hamas has launched more rocket attacks against Beersheba, Ashdod, Lod, Rehovot, Ness Ziona and communities near Ben Gurion Airport east of Tel Aviv and the West Bank. The IDF continues targeting Hamas in Gaza but also has dropped leaflets promising a reward for information on the hundreds of hostages still being held by Hamas.
