The Israeli government has approved operational plans for a ground offensive in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, and the Israeli military is preparing to evacuate civilians from the city, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.
"We have approved the operational plans of the Israel Defense Forces for the offensive in Rafah. It will take time, but it needs to be done. We will enter there and eliminate Hamas battalions [...] There will be no victory without eliminating Hamas battalions," Netanyahu said.
The Israeli prime minister also dismissed the allegation that the ground operation had been delayed due to US pressure or the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
"We will overcome external pressure," Netanyahu added.
Aside from that, the prime minister warned that early elections in Israel would paralyze the country and freeze the negotiations on the release of hostages who are still held captive in the Gaza Strip for six to eight months.
"Calls for elections in the midst of a war, right before our victory, will paralyze Israel for at least six months and freeze the negotiations as well. Even for eight months, I think [...] They will end the war before its goals are reached, and Hamas would welcome this more than anyone else, which is self-explanatory," Netanyahu stated.