What's stopping Israel from launching ground offensive against Hamas
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas entered its 18th day on Tuesday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) believes it is ready to launch its ground offensive and that it should begin soon, Times of Israel reported. However, Israel is reportedly encountering challenges in initiating a ground invasion in Gaza, where it has intensified retaliatory airstrikes to eliminate Hamas. So far, Israel killed 5,087 people in Gaza, while Hamas killed around 1,400 Israelis since launching the October 7 surprise attack.
US trying to delay Israel's ground offensive: Reports
A Hindustan Times report said that Hamas periodically releasing Israeli hostages in pairs is designed to delay the IDF's ground offensive and "make barbaric Hamas terrorists appear more reasonable in front of the 'Woke' Anglo-Saxon West." The United States (US) is reportedly trying to delay the Israeli ground invasion, concerned that its assets in West Asia could be targeted by other Iran-affiliated groups such as Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
US fears damage in case of regional escalation
A New York Times report said US officials also fear Iran-backed Iraqi militias will attack 2,500 US troops in Israel if the conflict escalates. Meanwhile, Lebanon's Hezbollah, which has gained significant military expertise by fighting in Syria and against Israel in 2006 with Iran's support, can bog down Israel on the northern front. Hindustan Times called Hamas a "cat's paw" for Iran, which could "lose its credibility in the Islamic jihadist world" if the outfit's leadership gets wiped out.
Israel scrambling against waning international support
Meanwhile, Israel is confronted with a tough choice regarding a ground invasion, as Hamas's military strength seems weakened but not entirely destroyed, HT's report said. The terrorist organization continues utilizing an underground tunnel system to launch rockets at Israel, while Hezbollah applies pressure from the Lebanon front. Israel requires a decisive victory in Gaza but cannot risk a prolonged battle on two fronts. Moreover, international sympathy has boundaries, and the clock is ticking for Israel to accomplish its goals.
US deployed carrier strike group to deter Iran
Separately, the US has positioned its carrier strike group, including USS Dwight Eisenhower and USS Gerald R Ford—the US Navy's latest and most advanced aircraft carrier—in the Persian Gulf to deter Iran from taking any action. The US seeks to limit the conflict to avoid a broader flare-up that could engulf West Asia, straining its relationship with regional allies and causing oil prices to soar, which could potentially harm the political chances of countries facing elections.
