JERUSALEM: Israel's use of ground troops in its offensive against Hamas in Gaza is aimed at restoring the iron image of the Jewish state's military ability, undermined by its 2006 war with Hezbollah, say regional specialists.

"We are on the way to restoring our deterrence in a message which is also addressed to Hezbollah so it thinks twice if it is tempted to get involved in a second round (against Israel)," said a senior Israeli military officer, on condition of not being named.

Retired general Shlomo Brom, former head of strategic planning at Israel's staff headquarters, said: "The best way to halt aggression by groups such as Hamas or Hezbollah is not to go hunting rockets one by one, because that is impossible. You need to create a new deterrent balance."