NYT CLAIMS Netanyahu refused to sign ground operation plans, fears responsibility for failure

(Patria) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to sign ground operation plans. According to reports, Netanyahu fears responsibility if the ground operation fails, claims the New York Times, citing sources.

The political and military leadership has not yet decided how, when, and whether a ground operation in the Gaza Strip is even necessary, the American media states. The Israeli army, deployed on the border with the Gaza Strip, is ready for combat, but political and military leaders cannot agree on a solution, writes the New York Times, adding that the operation is being postponed to allow more time for negotiations on the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Sputnik reports.

"The military leadership has completed the plans, but Netanyahu refused to sign them, angering senior officers," the American newspaper's sources claim. Netanyahu's refusal is partly linked to his desire to get unanimous approval from members of the war cabinet, explains the New York Times.

"Analysts believe that Netanyahu is afraid to unilaterally approve the action, because, due to the decline in public trust in his leadership, he fears he will be blamed if the operation fails," the newspaper emphasizes.