Israeli Prime Minister declares readiness for military campaign in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Source: The Globe Post

According to a VNA correspondent in Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on March 28 that the country is preparing for a large-scale military campaign in Gaza amid escalating tensions after recent clashes.

However, Netanyahu stressed that this was only the last option after other solutions failed. Prime Minister Netanyahu is trying to avoid political tensions related to Gaza before the April 9 election, when he faces a strong challenge from former Israeli army chief of staff Benny Gantz.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new road in the North, Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is also the Minister of Defense, said he had ordered the reinforcement of forces, additional vehicles, and preparations for a comprehensive campaign.

Earlier, on March 25, Palestinian resistance forces launched a long-range rocket from Gaza that hit a house north of Tel Aviv, injuring seven Israelis, leading to retaliatory airstrikes by Israel. Mr. Netanyahu ordered reinforcements of the army near the border with Gaza, but the fighting has ended since March 27.

Israel is closely monitoring the situation as Palestinians prepare to mark the first anniversary of protests and violent clashes on the Gaza border. A large-scale protest on March 30 is expected to draw thousands of Palestinians in Gaza.