Prime minister, defense minister and IDF chief deny reports of beef

As reports swirl of disagreements between the army and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the delayed ground operation, a joint statement claims they are working in lockstep.

“The prime minister, defense minister and IDF chief are working together in close cooperation, around the clock, to bring Israel total victory over Hamas,” the statement from Netanyahu’s office, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s bureau and the IDF spokesperson says.

“There is full trust between Prime Minister Netanyahu and the defense minister and IDF chief, who are united in a clear purpose,” the statement continues.

“We ask the media to act responsibly and keep from publishing mendacious reports that only hurt our unity and strength.”

Reports have indicated tensions between Gallant and IDF head Herzi Halevi on one side and Netanyahu on the other as an expected ground invasion continues to lack a green light from the premier, who appears to be giving time for hostage negotiations to bear fruit.