Time is counting down to the launch of Israel’s announced large-scale ground military operation in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli army announced yesterday that it was preparing for an extensive operation in Gazain a “comprehensive and coordinated attack by air, sea and land».

“Israeli army battalions and soldiers are being deployed across the country and are ready to increase readiness for the next stages of the war, with a focus on a major ground operation,” the IDF’s official website said.

However, the Israeli army does not give any information that reveals its timetable.

The New York Times, however, notes that the ground operation was planned for this weekend, but it appears that it will be delayed for a few days due to weather conditions that prevent pilots and drones from providing cover for ground forces.

Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israeli soldiers deployed outside the Gaza Strip, his office announced, releasing video of the meeting.

The terror group’s surprise raid on Saturday in southern Israel killed hundreds of Israelis, mostly civilians.

Netanyahu is heard asking the soldiers: “Are you ready for the next stage? The next stage is coming.”

He did not elaborate further in the video, which only shows the soldiers nodding in response to his question.