Hamas terrorists fired a heavy barrage on central Israel on Tuesday afternoon, with residents in the greater Tel Aviv area reporting multiple interceptions by the Iron Dome system. The volley came shortly after various other locations in the Judean foothills were targeted, and after the Gaza border communities – which are largely empty due to the ongoing war – had rocket fire during the morning and noon hours.
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Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Hertzi Levi commented and made a statement from the Gaza border area, saying that his troops were ready for a massive ground invasion of the Gaza Strip in response to the massacre of more than 1400 Israeli residents by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7.
"The State of Israel is in the midst of a war initiated by the terrorist organization Hamas. They will regret it, they are already beginning to regret it," he said. He added, "Many terrorists have been killed thanks to the bravery of the fighters, civilians, and security forces working together."
Video: IDF Chief Herzi Halevi warns Hamas / Shmuel Buchris
Levi described the preparations for the ground entry, saying, "IDF forces currently hold the area, defend it strongly, but we must remain vigilant. I have been visiting the forces in the area; I talk with the soldiers, and with the commanders. I just came from visiting another division. We trained for this, equipped ourselves with advanced means from around the world, but most importantly, we have the best soldiers for these missions." This was the first time Halevi made it clear in his voice that the military was ready for the much-anticipated invasion, which could be the biggest ground maneuver Israel has carried out in decades, with over 300,000 soldiers already being called up.
"The IDF and the Southern Command have planned high-quality attack plans to achieve the goals of the war. I want it to be clear – the IDF is ready for maneuvering, and we will make a decision together with the political echelon about the nature and timing of the next stage." He further addressed the various critical voices that have lamented that the IDF was wasting precious time.
"We are conducting a war, and at this stage, there are tactical to strategic considerations that allow us more time to improve and make use of every minute to be even more prepared. On the other hand, with every passing minute on the other side, we are intensifying our attacks on the enemy, killing its operatives, and commanders, destroying its infrastructure, and gathering more intelligence for what lies ahead. We are keeping the enemy under pressure; now the enemy is the one that has to keep on guessing."
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