Criticism from Israeli Defense Minister Gallant
According to the Israeli news site “Walla”, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant harshly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance on the ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip during a meeting with members of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
Gallant particularly objected to Netanyahu’s statements since October 7 about the need for an “absolute victory” in Gaza, saying: “This is complete nonsense.”The Minister also drew attention to the possibility of war in Lebanon, emphasizing that the current conditions are completely different compared to the situation at the beginning of a war.
Delay in Prisoner Exchange Agreement
Gallant said the delay in negotiations with Hamas over the return of Israeli prisoners in Gaza was due to Israel’s own internal dynamics, even if the army leaves the Egypt-Gaza border, known as the Philadelphia Corridor, for two months. “nothing will happen”Gallant said Israel is currently a “at the turning point”He explained that there were two options: agreement or war. “I and the security services support the first alternative.”He spoke as follows.
Response from Netanyahu
Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the conditions put forward in the ongoing ceasefire and prisoner swap negotiations in Gaza, such as the control of the Philadelphia Corridor by Israel and the need to inspect Palestinians displaced from Gaza as they return to the north.
The Israeli Prime Ministry Press Office responded to Gallant’s statements and described Netanyahu as follows: “Gallant accused of damaging prisoner swap deal prospects by resorting to anti-Israel rhetoric.”Netanyahu also reminds Gallant that Hamas should target its new Political Bureau Chief Yahya Sinwar. The Prime Minister said that Israel “To eliminate Hamas’ military and government capabilities and secure the release of the hostages, absolute victory is the only option.”He used the expression. Netanyahu emphasized that this directive is binding for the entire cabinet and Gallant.
