In the blinding fog of war, ambiguity is often a calculated stance rather than mere indecision. This could be the case with Israel’s military strategy in its war against Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) last week indicated that it was prepared to up the ante by sending ground troops into the Gaza Strip, the territory Hamas controls.

The IDF had rallied a strong force around Gaza’s perimeter, but now, the impending incursion appears to have been paused, leaving the international community in a state of speculation.

Israel's Defence Forces have spent the past week preparing for a massive operation to crush Hamas after some 360,000 reservists were called up to encircle Gaza with tanks, artillery and armoured vehicles.

But now the expected ground assault appears to be on hold, with IDF spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht refusing to confirm his troops will deploy into the Palestinian enclave.

'We are preparing for the next stages of war. We haven't said what they will be,' Lt Col Hecht teased.

'Everybody's talking about the ground offensive. It might be something different.'

The IDF's ambiguous messaging around its expected onslaught in Gaza comes hours before US President Joe Biden is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with speculation the next step of the Israeli military operation may be postponed until after the leaders share talks.

In the meantime, Israel's air force continues its incessant bombing campaign of targets throughout Gaza.

Hecht’s remarks seem to indicate that the IDF could be reassessing its plans for a ground invasion, or perhaps it is preparing an operation different from the incursion that was originally planned. The question: Is the IDF strategically withholding information to keep its enemies off balance, or is it genuinely reevaluating its strategy to destroy Hamas?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently fueled speculation about a possible attack by saying that preparations for the ground offensive are ongoing. Still, the IDF has not made many moves other than airstrikes and a few local raids here and there. This isn’t to say Israel’s military forces haven’t been busy. They have rescued hundreds of hostages so far.

In another wrinkle in this tapestry, Israel’s pause comes just as President Joe Biden sets off to the Middle East to meet with Netanyahu. The president has affirmed his commitment to Israel’s safety but cautioned that any move to reoccupy Gaza would be a “big mistake.” Is it possible that the Israeli government is waiting until after this meeting to execute its next move? It certainly isn’t out of the question.

Another possibility is that the IDF is holding back to buy more time to rescue hostages and get them to safety before launching a ground assault. This has been a top priority for Israel.

Still, another reason for the delay could be the humanitarian issue. Israel has taken criticism from the United Nations and others after laying siege to Gaza, which has exacerbated an already dire situation for Palestinian civilians suffering because of the war and Hamas’ oppressive governance. The pause could provide an opportunity to establish humanitarian avenues for delivering aid, something President Biden is expected to push for when he meets with Netanyahu.

Regardless of the reasons for the delay, it would be foolish to assume there is no rhyme to this reason. Israel has been down this road countless times. One way or another, the IDF will spring into action against Hamas, which will likely result in the terrorist group’s eventual downfall. 

The question is: What happens next? The world is waiting with bated breath.