Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant spoke to the press on Monday and explained Israel’s goals moving forward in its war against Hamas. Metro Voice presents those remarks below to bring you the news directly from the source.
“The IDF and the defense establishment are constantly working to thwart terrorism. Unfortunately, during this war there are difficult events – the attack conducted today in Ra’anana is a difficult and painful event. I would like to express my condolences to the family of the victim [of the attack], and to wish the injured, a speedy recovery.
Tonight I would like to discuss two important topics – the war and the conditions necessary for victory. Yesterday we marked 100 days of fighting, during which we went from defense to attack, from fighting in our own territory to fighting deep inside the Gaza strip. [We marked] 100 days during which we made tremendous efforts to free the hostages [held in Gaza]. We succeeded in the return of 110 hostages – and we will return the remaining hostages. We will make every effort to achieve this goal.
This is not the time to summarize, this is the time to look forward towards the goals that we must achieve. In the war that was launched against us, we must win, without compromise. There is no other way but to defeat the enemy [Hamas]. We will hunt down and reach everyone who harmed our children, raped our women, kidnapped our elders. We will destroy Hamas and strike anyone who participated in the brutal attack conducted on October 7th.
Both our enemies and friends are following the war in Gaza – they are watching us. The future of the State of Israel here in our land, depends on the results of this war. The cruel enemy [Hamas] whom we must face, only responds to force – only military pressure will enable us to achieve the goals of the war – the elimination of Hamas’ capabilities and returning the hostages to their homes. These are the goals of the war, as they were determined three months ago; they were true then, and they are true today. If the war ends now, the fate of the hostages will be sealed for many years – in Hamas captivity. Without military pressure no one will talk to us, without the military pressure we will not be able to achieve any agreements – only from a position of strength can we ensure the release of hostages.
Three months ago, together with the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Director of the ISA, and IDF generals, I presented to the cabinet the war plan in the Gaza strip and its ties to other arenas. We made it clear that the intensive maneuvering stage would last for approximately three months.
In the northern area of the Gaza strip this phase will come to an end. In southern Gaza we will reach this achievement and it will end soon, and in both places, the moment will come when we will move to the next phase. We adapt our operations in the field in accordance with the reality on the ground as it becomes clearer to us, in accordance with military achievements, with the destruction of the enemy [Hamas], and in accordance with our intelligence.
In the northern area of the Gaza strip, all the battalion frameworks have been dismantled – we are now working to eliminate pockets of resistance [terror hotspots]. We will achieve this via raids, airstrikes, special operations and additional activities.
In the center of the Gaza strip, we are destroying Hamas’ military industry, its production centers. These are the places that produce rockets, IEDs, explosives and other weapons to be used against us. The achievements [of our troops] are very impressive.
In the southern area of the Gaza strip we are employing different operational tactics – the forces are focused on the ‘head of the snake’: Hamas leadership. They are hiding dozens of meters underground. The Khan Younis Brigade is actually disintegrating as a fighting force. This is a cross-stage effort, during which we also cut off the routes that lead from Khan Younis to Rafah [infrastructure serving terrorist purposes], above ground and below ground. Every day that passes, the terrorist city built by Sinwar in the southern Gaza strip collapses into the tunnels it has dug for itself.
I would like to reiterate – at the end of the war, there will be no military threat from Gaza, Hamas will not be able to control and function as a military force in the Gaza strip, and the IDF will have full freedom of action to do whatever is required to defend the citizens of Israel. It may take a long time, but it will end with a single scenario – total victory.
Palestinians live in Gaza and therefore Palestinians will govern Gaza in the future. The future governing authority in Gaza must arise from within the Gaza strip and be based on actors that are non-hostile to the State of Israel. These will serve as a civilian alternative [to Hamas], which will care for the well-being of Gaza residents instead of focusing on causing harm to the people of Israel.
The end of the military campaign must be anchored in policy. It is policy that leads military action. Political indecision may harm the progress of the military operation. I have submitted a plan to the cabinet. It is the duty of the cabinet and the government to discuss the plan like any other plan, and to determine the goal. This is a war [that requires] determination – our success, from the soldier in the field, to the cabinet and the government of Israel – is the determination to win. It’s a war characterized by determination, courage, perseverance – that’s the only way for us to win.
I would like to use this platform to address two senior partners in the unity government – Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister Benny Gantz and tell them: this is the time for unity and a time for partnership. Now is the time for compromises in order to achieve the goals of the war. The unity government is a condition for victory in this war. The only beneficiary of the alternative is Hamas. It is our duty to mirror the unity among our troops on the battlefield, in a united society and leadership.
The year 2024 will be a year of war but it will also be a year of victory. We will win because we are just, we will win because we are determined.
I would like to send words of encouragement, and to strengthen the IDF troops who carry out missions day and night and to the families of the hostages who are facing an impossible reality. I wish a full recovery to the wounded, and hold bereaved families close to my heart – their loss granted us life.”
