Original article by Hans van Leeuwen
The Australian Financial Review – Page: Online : 18-Oct-23

Israeli Defence Force spokesman Lt Colonel Richard Hecht has downplayed suggestions that a ground invasion of Gaza could be imminent. He says Israel is preparing for the next stages of the war against Hamas, but this may not necessarily include a ground offensive. Any such invasion is unlikely to proceed until after US President Joe Biden visits Israel on Wednesday, where he will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The US has put 2,000 troops on a "heightened state of readiness" and deployed two aircraft carriers to the region, and Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi says Biden has made it "clear to our enemies" that the US will become involved if Iran or Hezbollah join the conflict.

CORPORATES
ISRAELI DEFENCE FORCE, UNITED STATES. EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT