"Our offensive is targeting both government and the fighter's operational areas. We are also targeting their hideouts, rocket and missile command positions including any physical infrastructure that is critical for them to be able to attack us," he said.
Lt Col Lerner said the mobilized groups include ground, airforce, navy and special forces that have been deployed in strategic positions including Kibbutz, Lebanon border and Hezbollah.
The spokesman said for the last 18 years the Gaza Strip has been under the control of Hamas in support of Palestine turning it into a center of the conflict.
He said in collaboration, the Hamas group, Islamic Jihads and Iraq have taken advantage of the conflicts in Gaza to attack Israel while using civilians as human shields.
"We have no intention to involve civilians in times of conflict but in this scenario, our move has been necessitated by the fact that our enemies are using the civilians as human shield," said Lt Col Lerner.
So far, Israeli forces have tightened their longstanding blockade of Gaza, sealing it off and vowing that nothing will go in or out, including water, food, medicine, gas or electricity.
Lt Col Lerner's sentiments were echoed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen who said the government was working round the clock to rescue 150 Israelis being held as hostages by the Hamas.
"We want the international community to understand that we are facing a long and tough war started by the Hamas group. We have no other option but to do what it takes to win, and definitely they will pay a huge price," the Minister said.
While dismissing reports that the Israeli government was contemplating negotiations for the release of the hostages, Cohen said, "This is not a time for negotiations, we have active fighters still within our territory killing and butchering our people, our aim is to move swiftly and evacuate those on the frontline."