The Israeli military says its tanks and troops entered the Gaza Strip Wednesday night, targeting military facilities of the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces said the operation in northern Gaza was in preparation for a new stage of combat.

The military said its tanks and infantry struck terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts.

It released a video showing at least 10 military vehicles moving with bulldozers clearing the ground.

The black-and-white video also shows smoke rising after tanks opened fire at a location apparently near the border fence. The footage appeared to be taken at night.

The military said its soldiers then returned to Israeli territory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech on Wednesday that preparations for the ground assault are underway. He avoided giving details, including when it would start.

He said that the decision on the timing will be made through discussions in the country's war cabinet and with senior military officials.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu spoke with US President Joe Biden over the phone.

The White House announced on Wednesday that the two leaders discussed ongoing efforts to locate and secure the release of hostages.

They also talked about how to ensure safe passage for foreign nationals wishing to depart Gaza and ongoing US support for humanitarian support for civilians in Gaza.

Biden reportedly reiterated that Israel has every right and responsibility to defend its citizens from terrorism and to do so in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law.

He also noted the importance of focusing on what comes after the current crisis to include a pathway for a permanent peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

More than 8,400 lives are reported to have been lost since the conflict started on October 7 -- 7,028 people in Gaza and at least 1,400 people on the Israeli side.