In Israel’s right-wing coalition government, there is unrest. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both from the Likud party, seem to have different ideas on how Israel could end the war in Gaza and handle the looming war against Lebanon.
In a committee of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, Gallant apparently criticized Netanyahu sharply. Israeli media report this, citing participants of the non-public session of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. According to them, the Defense Minister referred to Netanyahu’s promise of a „total victory“ in the ongoing war against Hamas as „nonsense.“ An MP also confirmed the use of this word to the New York Times.
Moreover, Gallant accused the Prime Minister of not being courageous enough to make tough decisions. This was related to Netanyahu’s decision after October 7 not to escalate the situation at the Lebanon border with military strikes.
Netanyahu’s office denounced an „anti-Israel narrative“ in response to Gallant’s statements. The Defense Minister was accused of hindering discussions on an agreement for the release of hostages. „Israel has only one choice: to achieve a total victory, which means eliminating the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas and releasing our hostages. This victory will be achieved.“ This was stated as the directive of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, which every government representative, including Gallant, must follow.
In a post on X, Gallant later revised his statements in the afternoon. He stated that he is determined to „achieve the war goals and continue the fighting until the Hamas is crushed and the hostages are freed.“ The Defense Minister condemned the leaking of statements from the committee. His priority is the security of Israel.
Since the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyyeh in Tehran, concerns have been growing that the already tense security situation in the Middle East could escalate further. Iran has threatened retaliation after the deadly attack on Haniyyeh. The USA, Israel’s closest ally, has therefore increased its military presence in the region and deployed additional warships and fighter jets. Attacks from the Hezbollah in Lebanon are also feared.
