Israel has no interest in war with any other foe other than Hamas, and its ground operation in Gaza will come when conditions are right, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has said.

“We are waging war on the southern front against Hamas, prepared for any development in the north, Hezbollah is suffering many losses. However, we have no interest in expanding the war,” Gallant told reporters after he was asked about the possibility of a confrontation with Iran.

Asked about a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, Gallant said: “The day it will come is not far off … the manoeuvre will start when conditions are right.”