Israeli military spokesperson Peter Lerner told ABC on Friday that the latest military operations in Gaza aimed at creating "better conditions" on the ground, APA reports.
"We are conducting our sweep and clear activities in order to create better conditions for optimal operational conditions on the ground," he said, adding that the army is "seeking out anti-tank capabilities" and "destroying observation posts."
His remarks come as violent clashes are reported in Nortertn Gaza and after Hamas claimed it is ready to face the Israeli ground invasion.