Israel is unlikely to launch a military ground operation in the Gaza Strip as long as US President Joe Biden's visit to the country continues, Der Spiegel reports.
The publication notes that there are "growing signs" that the Israeli Defense Forces operation in the Gaza Strip will not begin until the American president completes his solidarity visit to the country.
Biden is expected to arrive in Israel today, October 17. During his visit, the US president will meet, in particular, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to the German publication, it is almost impossible that Israel "will oppose Biden over the deployment of ground troops during his visit."
It is worth noting that the IDF has stated that there may not be a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.
"We are preparing for the next stages of the war. We have not yet said what they will be. Everyone is talking about a ground offensive. Perhaps it will be something else," Israeli army spokesman Richard Hecht said at a briefing.
