Gallant’s bold claim: "War in Gaza is the only way to save hostages"

In a statement, Gallant praised the operation, asserting that military pressure remains the only effective lever to secure the release of hostages still held in the Strip. “Resuming the strikes in Gaza is the right move to create the conditions for the return of the hostages,” he declared, saluting the efforts of IDF soldiers and security personnel involved.

Gallant, who steered Israel’s military strategy during much of the war, reiterated a core belief from his tenure: “Hamas only understands force.” He credited sustained military action with past successes, including pushing Hamas to negotiate and release hostages in earlier deals, as well as crippling its military structure. “Throughout the war, I emphasized that military pressure is what will bring about change,” he wrote. “This is what brought Hamas to the table and led to its elimination as a military organization.”

Yet, Gallant tempered his endorsement with a caveat, stressing that retrieving the remaining hostages alive is the top priority—a goal he believes hinges on tough, politically nuanced decisions beyond battlefield tactics. “The military operation should focus on creating the conditions for the return of the hostages,” he urged, calling for choices guided by operational needs, not partisan agendas. His comments come as Israel navigates a delicate balance between escalating its campaign and pursuing diplomatic avenues, with 59 hostages still in captivity, per recent opposition MK estimates.

Gallant’s stance aligns with a growing public sentiment—59% of Israelis support renewed fighting after Hamas rejected a U.S. deal, according to a March 17 poll. As airstrikes light up Gaza’s skies, his words underscore a conviction that force, not talks, will dictate the next chapter in this protracted conflict.