Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the ground phase of Operation Gideon B has begun at the start of his testimony in court, saying: "We have begun an intensive operation in Gaza." He added: "I didn't request closed doors to understand that the State of Israel is at a crucial moment. Today, on this day when very important things are happening, to occupy me from nine-thirty to six in the evening. I am saying these things as preparation for our request, and if you need more details, it's possible."