Gallant: We are at the opening of a new stage in the war - and the center of gravity is moving north

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited the Ramat David air base today (Wednesday), where he spoke with commanders and pilots and learned of developments in the north.

Following this, Gallant provided an assessment for the near future, saying that "the center of gravity has moved north. This means we are diverting forces, resources, energy towards the north."

He insisted that this does not mean the south will be neglected: "We have not forgotten the hostages and we have not forgotten our missions in the south. This is our duty and we are executing it simultaneously."

In perhaps a veiled reference to the recent detonation of thousands of Hezbollah pagers and walkie talkies yesterday and today, Gallant said that "I think that when you look at the situational picture, the IDF is bringing excellent achievements - along with the Shin Bet, along with the Mossad, with all the bodies and all the frameworks and the results are very, very impressive."

Gallant also implicitly rejected reports of discord between himself, the Prime Minister, and the IDF Chief of Staff, Gallant said that "there is complete coordination in the systems and unity regarding achievement of the goals: the Prime Minister, the Chief of Staff, the Shin Bet Director, the Mossad Director, and the Defense Minister - everything they represent, it's all in a shared form devoted to one goal - to return the residents (to the north)."