There is increasing talk in Israeli circles about a “ground invasion” of the Gaza Strip, reminiscent of what happened in 2008 and 2014, in response to the surprise attacks launched by Hamas on Saturday morning.

In conjunction with statements by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that “the attack from the ground will come later” in the wake of the violent air strikes that are devastating Gaza, an Israeli security source told Reuters that the ground attack has now become “inevitable,” after the air strikes.

The security source, who requested to remain anonymous, said that he believes that the Israeli ground invasion “cannot be avoided because of the high price we paid. This will be after the air strikes carried out by the Air Force.”

The source added that the goal is to "weaken the other party, and in the process make individuals flee (from the crowded areas). It is also related to the size of the force, the strategy, and the element of surprise. You cannot just enter."

In the same context, the Israeli Defense Minister said, speaking to soldiers near the Gaza fence: “We started the attack from the air, and we will come later from the ground as well.”

He continued: "We have controlled the area since the second day and have been under attack. Its intensity will intensify."

Former Israeli National Security Advisor Giora Eiland also spoke about the possibility of launching a comprehensive ground attack.