Media: first phase of Israel's war against Hamas still two months away

Israeli forces need about two more months in the Gaza Strip to complete the "first phase" of the war against Hamas, a defense official said. The army foresees another three to four weeks to complete its current offensive in the southern Hamas stronghold of Khan Younis and another three to four weeks of intensive fighting.
The top official told US media that the United States, Israel's closest ally, is not setting a deadline for ending Israeli military operations in Gaza. But Washington has indicated that time is running out, Israeli media also report about the high-ranking official's assessment. The US government would like Israel to end intensive operations by the end of December. Jerusalem believes the armed forces will be needed at least until the end of January.
Israel has been trying to destroy Hamas for just over two months, after the terrorist group carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7.