Netanyahu: We Are Preparing for a Ground Invasion and I Will Not Go into Details

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the preparation for a ground invasion, stating "I will not go into details," indicating that "the timing of the ground invasion will be reached by consensus." In a statement broadcast on television today, Wednesday, he said, "We are doing everything we can to bring the hostages home," adding: "Civilians in Gaza should move to the south of the strip." He noted that "the decision regarding the timing of the forces entering the besieged Palestinian territory controlled by Hamas will be made by the War Cabinet, which includes the leader of one of the opposition center parties." Netanyahu, who has not yet acknowledged responsibility for the security failure that allowed the Hamas attack, affirmed that "all those involved will be held accountable." He added: "A full investigation into the scandal will take place... Everyone will have to provide answers, including myself. But that will only happen after the war." Regarding the hostages, the Israeli government stated today, Wednesday, that more than half of the hostages, estimated at around 220 held by Hamas, hold foreign passports from 25 different countries, including 54 Thai citizens.