At the end of the statements to the media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister Benny Gantz were asked questions by journalists.
Is the war in the north inevitable?
Netanyahu: We set a goal and it is twofold. To restore security in the south and north. There is an order to these things. Considerations cannot be detailed, the arrangement is that there is active deterrence against Hezbollah and a crushing victory against Hamas. This is the way at the moment to bring about the result we are looking for. An overwhelming victory, our clear goal. And there is another goal and we are not giving up on it - we are committed to the residents of the south, north and center.
How satisfied are you with the cooperation with Minister Gallant?
Netanyahu: Gallant and I are working in full cooperation, in the war cabinet, in the extended and also in the government meetings to bring about the results we defined. We do it in the best way.
Gantz: Do not use the term 'settler violence'
Gantz was asked about the American sanctions against violent settlers:
I ask them not to use the term 'settler violence' because it does not represent the settlers in Judea and Samaria. Unfortunately, there is violence by extremists that we must condemn in every way and use all tools against them.
Gallant on the same subject: "the authority to use violence is given only to those who have been authorized. No one else has the authority to use violence. The expression that supposedly attributes to the group in Judea and Samaria is incorrect. I am against the operation of illegal elements. We must curb any violence that is illegal. We are determined to do it. This is our way and this is our country. Whoever fires against the law should be arrested."
Netanyahu was asked about the state budget, and about the fact that Minister Gantz had to ask him at the press conference to reconsider the coalition funds:
"We had a long discussion. We brought a budget of 30 billion NIS for a month and a half. This covers the requirements for security, payment to reservists, rehabilitation and the families of the abductees, and businesses."
60 days after the failure, isn't it time to talk about responsibility, and is it true that whoever is responsible for the failure will continue to conduct the fighting?
Netanyahu: There is a responsibility, a supreme task for the state to take care of security. We were not up to the task. Everyone will have to give answers after the war. Me too. But Hamas will not be given what it wants.
Gallant: "I was the Minister of Defense before the seventh of October and I am responsible for what has happened since then. After we defeat Hamas we will draw lessons and everything will be open in any forum possible."
Netanyahu: An ultra-orthodox child is not half a child
Netanyahu was asked about the budget and replied to Gantz: "These small funds are not a lot of money. I repeat and say an ultra-Orthodox child is not half a child. An ultra-Orthodox teacher is not half a teacher. I propose to do everything to unite the nation. This is a simple and understandable budget."
