Gallant clashes with Netanyahu, cautions against Israeli war in Lebanon

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Monday that the Israeli military is ready for potential attacks by Iran and Hezbollah, but he does not recommend initiating a war in Lebanon.

Addressing the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Gallant said, "We are in the days of vigilance and readiness; the threats from Tehran and Beirut may materialize." He stressed that "readiness, preparedness and vigilance are not synonyms for fear and panic." Criticized by Likud committee members for refusing to launch a preemptive attack against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Gallant said, "The conditions today for a war in Lebanon are opposite of what we had at the beginning of the war [in Gaza]."

In what could be perceived as criticism against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly called for "total victory" over Hamas, Gallant said, "I hear all these heroes with their drums talks about 'total victory' and other nonsense. I have seen courage when it came to real discussion."

Referring to the negotiations for a deal that would see the release of the hostages held by Hamas and a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, Gallant said that the agreement is stalled "also because of Israel." He claimed that if the Israeli military evacuates the Philadelphi Corridor, which stretches along Egypt’s border with Gaza, "nothing will happen."