For 17 days, Israeli ground troops and tanks have been on standby, idling in the dusty fields around Gaza.
Their stated mission: to invade the Palestinian coastal enclave and destroy the military capabilities of Hamas, the armed Islamist group, and its ability to rule there.
The United States has been pressuring Israel to hold off to allow more time for hostage negotiations and aid deliveries, and for more U.S. military assets to be deployed to the region.
The Israeli news media is filled with reports of differences within the government and between the political leadership and the military.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, long viewed as cautious about military adventures, is thought to be still deciding when — or if — to go ahead.
Persons:
Benjamin Netanyahu, —, Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant —, Herzi Halevi, ”
Organizations:
United
Locations:
Gaza, Israel, United States, —