In a recent address at the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned of the looming threats from Iran and Lebanon, emphasizing Israel’s high state of readiness. The defense establishment has bolstered its defensive capabilities and is exploring offensive strategies to counter these threats.
Addressing concerns about initiating war with Lebanon, Gallant dismissed calls for “total victory” as mere bravado. However, his comments received a sharp rebuke from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Office, which accused him of adopting an anti-Israeli stance that hampers hostage negotiations with Hamas.
The ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over 10 months, has seen Netanyahu’s failure to achieve his objectives of freeing hostages and dismantling Hamas. Critics argue that his administration’s stance reflects a dangerous disregard for peace, with a focus on displacing Palestinians in Gaza to make way for Israeli settlers.
Israeli media has criticized Netanyahu as irrational and bent on prolonging the conflict to avoid accountability post-Gaza. The situation remains volatile, with Netanyahu’s controversial approach under heightened scrutiny.