He's pretty much history anyway

Just before handing over power: Gallant says there is no reason to stay in the Philadelphi Corridor

Just before ending his tenure as Defense Minister, Gallant met with hostages' families and revealed there is no security justification for remaining in the Philadelphia Corridor: "It's not a worthy cause to risk soldiers' lives for." 

Gilad Erdan, Yoav Gallant (Photo: Shutterstock / Lev Radin)

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met today (Thursday) with families of the hostages and criticized the rationale for staying in the Philadelphia Corridor as an excuse to prevent a hostage deal: "I can tell you what wasn't there - there was no security consideration," Channel 12 welfare reporter Michal Pe'ilan revealed.

At the start of the meeting, the hostages' families thanked Gallant for prioritizing the issue and tried to understand what opportunities were missed in July.

Gallant explained that in July, he held a minority opinion, representing the entire defense establishment, and that they all believed a deal should be advanced: "I can tell you what wasn't there - there was no security consideration. The IDF Chief of Staff and I said there's no security justification for staying in the Philadelphia Corridor. Netanyahu says it's a political consideration; I'm telling you there isn't even a political consideration. This can and must be resolved."

When asked why a deal isn't being advanced, Gallant responded: "There's nothing left to do in Gaza, we've already achieved the major objectives."

When further questioned about why forces remain there, Gallant replied: "I'm concerned we're staying there out of a desire to maintain control over the territory, supposedly as a condition for security. To me, this feels like an unworthy cause to risk soldiers' lives for."

Finally, when asked if he's optimistic about a deal, Gallant answered: "I am not optimistic."

Maariv contributed to this article.

0 Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation, and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

Identity of victim of rocket attack earlier today

Released for publication: Brian Director is the victim of the rocket attack in Nahariya

Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 21.11.24

Anti-Semitism down under

Ayelet Shaked barred from down under 

Avi Nachmani | 21.11.24

Just wait til Trump is in power

Mike Walz responds to ICC: Expect a strong American response in January

Gila Isaacson | 21.11.24

Baruch Dayan Haemet

WATCH IT LIVE: Israeli archeologist Zeev Erlich is laid to rest

Gila Isaacson | 21.11.24

Felstein faces a life sentence

BREAKING: Feldstein indicted for leaking state secrets

Gila Isaacson | 21.11.24

Israeli airstrike in Syria

What was the target? More details about the unusual attack in Syria

Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 21.11.24
Get JFeed App
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play