Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant allegedly informed families of hostages held in Gaza that Israel’s military presence in the Strip lacks a valid rationale and that Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu is maintaining forces there “out of a desire to stay.”

Gallant’s comments, reported by Channel 12, came shortly before his official dismissal on Thursday evening and the Knesset’s confirmation of Yisroel Katz as his successor. According to the report, Gallant, who was abruptly dismissed by Netanyahu earlier in the week, told the families that Netanyahu alone has the authority to finalize a hostage deal, and that he had unsuccessfully attempted to influence the prime minister’s stance on the issue.

Gallant noted that top security officials, including the Shin Bet head, IDF chief, and possibly the Mossad head, supported his position on pursuing a deal. “The head of the Shin Bet, the chief of staff, and I think the head of the Mossad, also agreed with me,” Gallant remarked, recounting his discussions with Netanyahu. He added that he had argued with the prime minister since July that the timing was favorable for an agreement.

The former defense minister, along with IDF Chief Herzi Halevi, reportedly doubted any security or diplomatic necessity for Israel’s extended presence in Gaza. Gallant is quoted as saying, “I can tell you what there was not: security considerations. The IDF chief and I said there was no security reason for remaining in the Philadelphi Corridor.” This area along Gaza’s border with Egypt has been emphasized by Netanyahu as a strategic gain, but Gallant reportedly contested its importance. “Netanyahu said that [retaining] it was a diplomatic consideration; I’m telling you there was no diplomatic consideration,” he said, according to the Channel 12 report based on family members’ accounts. Similar accounts were also reported by other Hebrew media outlets.

Gallant expressed concern over the continued military presence in Gaza, saying, “There’s nothing left in Gaza to do. The major achievements have been achieved.” He added his fear that soldiers are only being kept in Gaza “because there is a desire to stay there,” possibly alluding to Netanyahu’s calls for a decisive win over Hamas and some far-right advocacy for an Israeli occupation of Gaza.

Gallant also criticized the notion of remaining in Gaza to ensure stability, calling it “an inappropriate idea to risk soldiers’ lives over.” Looking ahead to the aftermath of the conflict, he told the hostage families that he believed it would be detrimental for Israel to govern Gaza directly and that a new governing authority, separate from both Hamas and Israel, should be established. Otherwise, Gallant warned, “the process will continue” and risk the lives of additional soldiers if Israel stays in Gaza for a prolonged period.

These remarks highlight a clear divide between Gallant, who supported a ceasefire arrangement to facilitate the hostages’ release, and Netanyahu, who has resisted halting the conflict as part of any hostage negotiation.

{Matzav.com Israel}