Israeli invasion of Gaza likely to resemble past difficult battles in Iraq and Syria

Israel appears to be preparing for the next phase of its military operation: a ground campaign to “crush and destroy” Hamas, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has put it. Israel has signaled that it might be willing to delay an invasion – but not call it off entirely – if Hamas releases more hostages. Prior ground attacks from Israel into the Gaza Strip have been dangerous, deadly and costly for both sides.