In a recent development, Israel’s dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has reportedly told families of hostages that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have met their main objectives in Gaza, expressing concerns that Israeli troops are still in the area without a clear military necessity. Gallant, who was recently removed from his position by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticized the ongoing operations in Gaza, describing the continuation as a “desire to stay” rather than a strategic requirement, according to Channel 12.
Gallant also shared that Netanyahu had dismissed a potential hostages-for-peace agreement against advice from security officials. According to Israeli media, Gallant conveyed that there was no pressing military reason to maintain an Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip, particularly along the contentious Philadelphi corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border, which Netanyahu had insisted on retaining for “diplomatic considerations.” This stance reportedly strained efforts by the Biden administration to facilitate a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages, a proposal the U.S. had been pushing for since May.
Gallant’s dismissal has heightened tensions within Israel’s political landscape. His departure eliminates a moderate voice from Netanyahu’s cabinet, which is increasingly dominated by hard-right members. Following his removal, the Israeli Knesset passed a bill permitting the deportation of relatives of individuals convicted of terrorist offenses, a measure critics argue targets Palestinian citizens of Israel.
The lack of a ceasefire has prolonged hostilities in both Gaza and Lebanon. In Lebanon, the militant group Hezbollah has escalated attacks on Israel, declaring its intention to continue as long as Gaza is bombed. This conflict spilled over on Wednesday when an Israeli airstrike in Barja, Lebanon, reportedly killed 30 civilians. In the past month, more than 3,000 Lebanese individuals have lost their lives due to Israeli strikes, with Hezbollah claiming heavy casualties among its fighters.
Meanwhile, health officials in Gaza report over 43,000 Palestinian deaths from Israeli bombardments over the past 13 months, with significant losses occurring in northern Gaza, where civilians have been urged to evacuate by Israeli forces.
As public pressure mounts, hostages’ families and Israeli opposition groups have voiced frustration, accusing Netanyahu of using the Gaza conflict to delay elections and safeguard his political position.
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