Israel’s Military Spokesperson Daniel Hagari has said that the military is “ready and determined” for the next stage in the war and is awaiting political instruction.

According to Reuters, he said Israel was learning from US experience in the Middle East but “our war is on our borders, not thousands of miles from Israel,” adding that he was expecting weeks of fighting ahead.

Hagari said Egypt was playing a key role in negotiations for the release of hostages from Gaza, which he said was a top priority for Israel.