Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told US President Joe Biden that Israel has no choice but to undertake a ground operation in Gaza following an attack by Hamas.
According to a report by Axios, citing three American and Israeli sources, Netanyahu told Biden: "We have to go in. We can’t negotiate now".
The Israeli leader said they are also concerned about opening a second front with Hezbollah.
Biden did not try to change his mind, Axios reported.
The Israeli army announced early Tuesday its control of the southern regions and regained full control of the border, and summoned 300,000 reserve soldiers.
They also advised those fleeing the air strikes on the Gaza Strip to head to Egypt. During a media briefing, chief military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht advised "anyone who can leave to do so" via the "Rafah crossing on the border between Gaza and Egypt".
He later modified his statement by saying that the border crossing is currently closed.
Fighting is taking place between Hamas and Israel after the movement launched the “Al-Aqsa Flood” attack on Saturday.
Israel responded by declaring war on the movement and launching attacks on Gaza.
According to the latest figures, the number of Palestinian deaths in Gaza has risen to 687, with 3,600 injured, and in Israel, about 800 people have been killed, with injuries around 2,600.
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