Turin, March 18 (LaPresse) – The Israeli army claims to have launched a widespread wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, targeting mid-level Hamas commanders, members of the terrorist group's politburo, and its infrastructure. According to the IDF, cited by Times of Israel, dozens of attacks have been carried out so far. The strikes were ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. The IDF stated that it intends to continue airstrikes "as long as necessary" and expand the surprise assault beyond the air campaign if given the order. The army added that it is deployed and prepared on all fronts, with maximum alert regarding air defense. The IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, is managing the operation together with the head of Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, from the IDF headquarters.