Hebrew media reported on Tuesday evening that security consultations in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office concluded with a tendency towards a full ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.

The Jerusalem Post and Israeli Broadcasting Authority noted that Netanyahu spoke of plans to occupy central Gaza and the city of Gaza entirely as part of a strategy to encircle the territory.

However, Haaretz revealed that the leadership of the Israeli army opposes any ground operation in densely populated areas where hostages are being held, warning that escalating the fighting could lead to their deaths.