Israel Launches Gaza War’s 2nd Phase With Ground Operation, Netanyahu Says

He warned that the war would be long and difficult.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 28, 2023. Abir Sultan/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

JERUSALEM—Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israeli forces had entered the second phase in the war in Gaza as they pressed ground operations against Hamas terrorists running the Palestinian enclave.

Israeli jets dropped more bombs and military chiefs said a long-threatened ground offensive against Hamas terrorists was gearing up.