He's pretty much history anyway

Just before handing over power: Gallant says there is no reason to stay in the Philadelphi Corridor

Just before ending his tenure as Defense Minister, Gallant met with hostages' families and revealed there is no security justification for remaining in the Philadelphia Corridor: "It's not a worthy cause to risk soldiers' lives for." 

Gilad Erdan, Yoav Gallant (Photo: Shutterstock / Lev Radin)

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met today (Thursday) with families of the hostages and criticized the rationale for staying in the Philadelphia Corridor as an excuse to prevent a hostage deal: "I can tell you what wasn't there - there was no security consideration," Channel 12 welfare reporter Michal Pe'ilan revealed.

At the start of the meeting, the hostages' families thanked Gallant for prioritizing the issue and tried to understand what opportunities were missed in July.

Gallant explained that in July, he held a minority opinion, representing the entire defense establishment, and that they all believed a deal should be advanced: "I can tell you what wasn't there - there was no security consideration. The IDF Chief of Staff and I said there's no security justification for staying in the Philadelphia Corridor. Netanyahu says it's a political consideration; I'm telling you there isn't even a political consideration. This can and must be resolved."

When asked why a deal isn't being advanced, Gallant responded: "There's nothing left to do in Gaza, we've already achieved the major objectives."

When further questioned about why forces remain there, Gallant replied: "I'm concerned we're staying there out of a desire to maintain control over the territory, supposedly as a condition for security. To me, this feels like an unworthy cause to risk soldiers' lives for."

Finally, when asked if he's optimistic about a deal, Gallant answered: "I am not optimistic."

Maariv contributed to this article.

Yoav Gallant Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Binyamin Netanyahu Benjamin Netanyahu Israel-Gaza war Gaza Operation Swords of Iron Philadelphi Corridor Yisrael Katz Hostages IDF IDF soldiers

Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.
The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.


Doubt The Discussion Was Fruitful

Militantly anti-draft Charedi leader meets with IDF senior officers
Avi Woolf | 15:07

Evacuation alert for northern Gaza residents

IDF orders evacuation in northern Gaza after renewed rocket attacks on Israel
Avi Nachmani | 14:47

Devastating conforntation costs 5 ISD soldiers' lives

IDF releases footage of deadly battle against Hezbollah | WATCH
Gila Isaacson | 13:49

Not Surprising, Given His Experience

Netanyahu reportedly hopeful about a second Trump administration
Avi Woolf | 12:39

Israel’s air power boosted

25 new F-15 fighter jets for Israel in $5.2 billion Boeing deal
Avi Nachmani | 08:57

What Israel thinks of Gallant dismissal

Poll: Majority of Israelis strongly disapprove of Netanyahu's decision to fire Gallant
Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 06.11.24