An IDF international spokesperson has announced that Israel has not completely discarded the possibility of launching a ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza. As Major (Res) Ben Wahlhaus explained in a recent interview, the Israeli Defense Forces are prepared to act according to any operational directives issued by the Israeli government.
“At the moment, every possible course of action remains a consideration,” asserted Wahlhaus. His highest priority remains the safeguarding of Israeli civilians, a goal he believes can only be achieved by halting the ongoing hostilities initiated by Hamas.
The conflict, which is now entering its fourth day, was set off by an incursion into Israel by Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist entity in Canada. The ensuing Israeli reprisal strikes have had devastating consequences, with fatalities and civilians, including Canadians, trapped amidst the relentless fighting.
Wahlhaus highlighted that the Israeli forces have managed to secure their country’s borders. They are implementing a thorough search operation, house by house in countless towns and cities, to ensure that no Hamas operatives remain within Israel. The duration of this operation, he reiterated, would hinge on how long it would take to neutralize the threat posed by Hamas. To aid in these efforts, over 300,000 reserve soldiers have been summoned.
The Israeli forces, said Wahlhaus, are committed to minimizing civilian casualties in Gaza. However, he notes, this is proving to be challenging because Hamas is knowingly placing its own civilian population in jeopardy. Emphasizing the necessity of the situation he said, “Stopping Hamas’ military might is our pressing obligation. It’s untenable to allow terrorists to infiltrate with the intent to cause widespread death and destruction.”
However, he clarified, the struggle was not against the civilian populace but against Hamas. He pointed out their war was also waged against their own civilians.
Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has displayed support for Israel, vocally condemning the attacks instigated by Hamas during a solidarity meet in Ottawa, mirroring the opinions held by several global leaders. “Israel’s right to defend itself, per international law, has our unwavering support,” he declared.
Canadian Department of National Defence, in a statement on Tuesday, clarified that they presently do not foresee any requirement to provide military aid to Israel. Addressing the possibility of the situation altering with the duration of the fighting, Wahlhaus put forth that he expects a prolonged battle. However, he optimistically expressed confidence in Israel’s capability to safeguard its citizens.
Moreover, Wahlhaus expressed concern over the complicating factor of Hamas deliberately using the civilian populace as a human shield to hinder IDF operations in Gaza. Consequently, the existing focus lies on protecting civilians and impeding any further infiltration attempts by Hamas, while also preparing for the possibility of a drawn-out conflict. “Hamas seems keen on extending this battle and causing more civilian casualties. Regardless, we are not deterred and will ensure this mission is seen through to the end,” Wahlhaus concluded.
