Israel's Gaza Invasion Delayed as Requested by US; Pentagon To Use Remaining Time for Air Defense Enhancement

Israel's Gaza invasion has been delayed, thanks to the US government's request. Since the Israeli government revealed its intention to invade Gaza, the United States has been persuading it to avoid it.

Now, Israeli and US officials have confirmed that the two nations agreed to avoid the ground invasion against Gaza temporarily. The question is, how long will this delay last?

Israel's Gaza Invasion Delayed as Requested by US

(Photo : JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Israeli army tanks and vehicles deploy along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on October 13, 2023. Thousands of people, both Israeli and Palestinians have died since October 7, 2023, after Palestinian Hamas militants entered Israel in a surprise attack leading Israel.

According to Reuters' latest report, Washington persuaded the Israeli government to halt its invasion plan in Gaza. US officials said that the Middle Eastern country should wait until it can enhance and complete its air defense systems in the Gaza Strip.

Forbes reported that the US government is expected to work on its regional air defenses until the remaining week of October. This means that the invasion could be delayed until November.

As of writing, the Pentagon is working around the clock to complete installing around a dozen of its air defense systems in the Middle East to ensure the safety of American troops currently stationed in Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and UAE.

Washington explained that they need to complete the air defense systems since militant groups will likely target US soldiers in the mentioned countries once Israel invades the Gaza Strip.

Aside from ensuring the safety of American troops, the US government also urged the Gaza invasion delay since it is negotiating with Qatar, a Palestinian militant broker, so that they could free more hostages.

Gaza Invasion is Inevitable

(Photo : MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images)
Smoke plumes billow during Israeli air strikes in Gaza City on October 12, 2023 as raging battles between Israel and the Hamas movement continue for the sixth consecutive day. Thousands of people, both Israeli and Palestinians have died since October 7, 2023, after Palestinian Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip, entered southern Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Hamas terrorist group is "doomed" as they prepare for the feared Gaza ground invasion. During a televised statement on Wednesday, Oct. 25, Netanyahu announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is preparing to invade the region.

He added that the main goal of the Israeli military is to destroy the governmental and military capabilities of the Palestinian militant organization.

Netanyahu further stated that Israel's war cabinet is working around the clock and will not stop until they reach victory. However, he didn't explain how the Israeli government will ensure their troops' safety. He only confirmed that the Israeli war cabinet will unanimously determine the timing of the ground invasion in Gaza.