Israel’s media outlets say Tel Aviv is prepared for an all-out conflict including a ground incursion into the blockaded Gaza Strip, claiming that the conditions on the ground are in favor of the regime.

Israel and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas have engaged in a “mutual war of attrition” which could later turn into an all-out conflict, the media stated.

According to the media reports, in case of such an escalation Hamas will fire retaliatory rockets with a range of more than 40 kilometers or even 70 kilometers into central Israel. The rockets could reach north of Tel Aviv, the reports said.

The Israeli military will possibly deploy its ground forces “in a widespread operation” against Gaza.

A senior Israeli military official has said Tel Aviv should remain alert in the wake of retaliatory rockets fired from Gaza into Israel, saying Tel Aviv has engaged in long military operations against the Palestinians.

Israeli military authorities claim that Hamas positions are “much weaker” than the previous years as the Palestinians residing in Gaza are grappling with many problems.

In the early hours of Tuesday, the Israeli military announced that it had commenced an operation against Hamas.

Israeli warplanes have launched a fresh wave of air raids on Gaza since Monday evening. The latest attacks follow days of intensified aggression against the impoverished territory.

Hamas has also fired a barrage of rockets deep into Israel in response to the Israeli assaults against Gaza.

Hamas spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri, has blamed Tel Aviv for a “grave escalation” in violence and vowed to retaliate, saying Israel “will pay the price.”

The latest developments come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Minister for foreign affairs Avigdor Lieberman have recently called for reoccupation of the impoverished territory.

SHI/SHI