Israeli military combat vehicles and tanks are seen near the Israeli-Gaza border as fighting between Israeli troops and the militants of the Palestinian group Hamas continues. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa © DPA
* Israel intended to invade Gaza this weekend but was delayed due to bad weather, which would have limited air support, according to a report
* Troops will be operating under new rules, The New York Times reported, which allow soldiers to make fewer checks before shooting at suspects
* One security adviser to the Israeli government said some are advocating for an 18-month campaign of going door-to-door in Gaza, rooting out Hamas
Israel's troops have been given more freedom to shoot at potential enemies in Gaza, according to a report, and could be ordered to spend 18 months in the enclave going door-to-door to root out Hamas.
A Hamas officer told The New York Times they intended to ambush the Israeli troops from behind once they entered Gaza, jumping out of hidden tunnels.
Senior Israeli officials told the paper that the ground invasion was due to have begun already, but has been delayed due to bad weather preventing aerial cover.
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WNU Editor: I think it is just more than just weather and hostages that is delaying this operation .... Former Israeli soldier suggests hostage rescue operations behind delay in ground invasion of Gaza (FOX News). I am reading and hearing reports from Israel that they have problems in supplies, logistics, and a lack of training. My gut is also telling me that they have not finished putting a strategy and plan to destroy Hamas.
There is also the threat of a second front with Hezbollah. I do not think Israel is ready or properly positioned to confront that right now. I am hearing reports that in the past few days Hezbollah has successfully targeted and destroyed Israeli intelligence and listening posts on the border. An ominous sign if you tell me.
Israel Delays Ground Offensive On Gaza
Gaza on edge as Israel delays ground offensive -- DPA
Israel 'delays Gaza operation due to bad weather' as it gears up for '18 month invasion' -- Express
Israel postpones ground operation in Gaza – NYT -- RT
Israel's operation in Gaza Strip, planned for weekend, is postponed – NYT -- Ukrainska Pravda