Barak acknowledged that a ground invasion of Gaza would take weeks, perhaps even several months, after which he suggested control of Gaza should be gradually handed over to the Palestinian Authority.
When asked about Sunday's comments by US President Joe Biden that it would be a "big mistake" for Israel to occupy Gaza, he said that the staunch support of the US was highly appreciated in Israel, but that no "recommendations" should be given by the US when it comes to strategy.
He admitted that the war would inevitably cause "collateral damage" in Gaza, but said Israel was careful to warn inhabitants to move out of the area targeted, brushing aside criticism from the UN that Gaza was under complete siege.
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