Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over claims of “absolute victory”, as he voiced opposition to attack Lebanon, describing such move as a “gamble.”
At a meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Gallant said: “I hear the drums of war and talk of absolute victory, and it’s a shame that in the closed room they didn’t show the same courage.”
“On October 11 I recommended an attack (on Lebanon), but the cabinet did not agree. I don’t recommend it now, it’s a gamble,” Gallant said, as quoted by Israeli media.
Meanwhile, the Israeli DM called for reaching a deal with Hamas on exchanging captives, even if it is in multiple stages.
“It is our duty as decision-makers to strive to bring about the operational achievement, and… to create the conditions to return the hostages. The creation of the conditions comes through military pressure, and it can bring about a deal to [release] the hostages, even if it will be in more than one round,” he added.
Gallant, meanwhile, said that the Zionist entity has been bolstering its defenses in recent days amid an anticipated retaliation by Hezbollah and Iran over the assassination of senior Jihadi commander Fuad Shokr and Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh.
“The threats from Tehran and Beirut may materialize… We are alert. In recent days, we have been devoting our time to both strengthening defense and creating offensive options in response, and also as an initiative if required – anywhere and in any region, with the main goal being the protection of the citizens of the State of Israel.”
Source: Israeli media
