Netanyahu says the Gaza war has entered a new stage and will be ‘long and difficult’

An Israeli mobile artillery unit is seen Saturday, in a position near the Israel-Gaza border, Israel. Israel. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the nation Saturday night that the military has opened a “second stage” in the war against Hamas by sending ground forces into Gaza and expanding attacks from the ground, air and sea.