Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited the Gaza Strip today (Saturday) and emphasized that the continuation of negotiations with Hamas will continue to be done under fire and that Israel will not leave Gaza until the return of all the hostages. Assessing the current situation, the minister met with commanders and fighters from the infantry, armor, engineering, and navy forces.
During the visit, Minister Gallant insisted on utilizing the lull in favor of preparations, and preparations for the resumption of ground operations with the exhaustion of the outline for the return of captives and approved additional offensive plans. He also toured the area of the northern coast and received an overview, of the activities of the forces during the fighting days, and their security during the days of truce.
Gallant: "The ability to bring the kidnapped, as a result of the military pressure"
The Defense Minister emphasized the connection between the return of the kidnapped and the military pressure exerted by Israel on Hamas. "Our ability to bring the first group of hostages is due to the pressure exerted by the military.
According to Gallant, "As soon as the pressure is on militarily, they want a break, when you increase the pressure, they want another break, when you increase even more, they are ready to come with an offer, and when you increase even more - they are ready to come with an offer that can be accepted, that's all the method."
According to him, "We cannot leave the operation and the war in Gaza until we reach a situation where we bring all the hostages because we have many more. He also stated: "There is a direct connection between your action and the elimination of the enemy and also between your action and bringing hostages, that is the process. The timetable for a truce is short, it will not take weeks, it will take days - a little more, a little less, and any further negotiations will be under fire. I mean, want to continue and discuss the next time? - it will be when the bombs fall and the forces fight, that's the basis."
In the end, Gallant told the fighters, "The Israeli government is proud of you, the entire Israeli people are behind you, you should know this and continue to have the strength." You are putting your lives at risk, but you are bringing results and we greatly appreciate what you are doing.".
