Defense Minister Yoav Galant stated this morning (Monday) that the IDF will soon move from the maneuver phase to special operations in the Gaza Strip.
Gallant's words follow an interview he gave to the Wall Street Journal in which he stated that "Israel will move from the phase of intense maneuvering to various types of operational actions." The minister's office clarified after the interview that the actions will take place soon.
The Minister of Defense was asked about the massive presence of the population in the southern Gaza Strip. According to Gallant, we need to take into account the huge number of civilians because the military strategy will have to be adapted to this: "It will take time, but we will not give up".
"They know we can copy and paste to Beirut"
In the northern sector, the defense minister emphasized that the priority is not to enter into a war with Hezbollah, but if an agreement is not agreed upon that would allow this, Israel will not shy away from military action. "They see what's happening in Gaza. They know we can copy and paste to Beirut," Gallant said and emphasized that "80 thousand people who were evacuated in the north should be able to return to their homes safely."
According to the minister, "My basic view is that we are fighting an axis, not a single enemy." He also noted that "Israel's response and determination are not only to destroy Hamas, which is supported by Iran, but to act with sufficient force to deter other potential adversaries allied with Tehran, including Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon."