Israel must ‘expand goals of the war’ to ‘ensure safe return of northern communities,’ says Defense Minister Gallant

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a strategic discussion and briefing with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and senior IDF officials on Thursday.

The discussion focused on expanding the goals of the Israel-Hamas war and ensuring the return of displaced citizens from Israel’s northern communities to their homes. In addition, the parties addressed the continued commitment to dismantle the terrorist organization and ensure the return of the 107 remaining hostages in the Gaza enclave.

“Over the past 11 months, Israel has faced attacks on seven different fronts, and we operated against all of them,” Gallant said. “In Gaza, most of the Hamas brigades and battalions have been defeated, the military chief of Hamas, Muhammad Deif, has been eliminated, and a long line of terrorists have also been eliminated.”

“The IDF’s military achievements in Gaza have enabled the return of most of the southern communities to their homes,” Gallant added. “The military achievements have also created the conditions that enabled the return of a large number of hostages.”

Gallant also addressed the multiple fronts where Israel is fighting the war against terrorism.

“At this time, we also find ourselves at war against additional forces – we are fighting against Iran, Hezbollah and the Houthis. A month ago, the IDF eliminated Hezbollah’s Military Chief Muchsan, and earlier this week, the IDF thwarted a significant attack against citizens in both the center and north of Israel,” he said.

Gallant emphasized Israel’s steadfast goals of dismantling Hamas while ensuring the safety of residents in the north.

“Our mission on the northern front is clear – to ensure the safe return of northern communities to their homes. In order to achieve this goal, we must expand the goals of the war and include the safe return of Israel’s northern residents to their homes. This will not diminish our absolute commitment to dismantling Hamas and returning the hostages. Once we formulate this proposal, I will raise it before the Prime Minister and the Cabinet,” he avowed.