In a significant demonstration of Franco-Israeli defense cooperation, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant welcomed French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu at the Israeli Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv. This high-level meeting underscores the deepening strategic ties between France and Israel, particularly in the realm of defense and regional security.
The ministers engaged in in-depth discussions, examining the current conflict dynamics, strategic objectives, and the wider implications for regional stability. This exchange was particularly crucial, given the escalating tensions and complex security challenges in the Middle East.
"Israel won't stop fighting until we fulfill the promise that the residents of Northern Israel go back home safely."
— Samuel Sabbah (@Samuel_Sabbah) January 22, 2024
- Yoav Gallant
Yoav Gallant meets his French counterpart Lecornu pic.twitter.com/vsoSkcVqrB
Minister Gallant provided an important update to Minister Lecornu on the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) efforts. These efforts are focused on the systematic dismantling of Hamas' governance and military infrastructures, a pivotal step towards ensuring Israel's security. Furthermore, Gallant emphasized Israel's determination to continue military operations until these critical objectives are achieved, showcasing Israel's resilience and strategic commitment.
A significant portion of their dialogue centered on the situation along Israel's northern frontier. Here, Minister Gallant expressed his gratitude for France's role in shifting the security landscape in southern Lebanon. The joint efforts to repel Hezbollah forces from the Israeli border are vital for Israel's security, representing a concerted effort to mitigate threats.
France's Defense Minister Lecornu is going to land in Israel tonight to meet PM Netanyahu, Defense Minister Gallant and War Cabinet member Gantz. A meeting with the families of hostages is also scheduled.
— Samuel Sabbah (@Samuel_Sabbah) January 21, 2024
The story ➡️https://t.co/ZSLiJMz7Dh pic.twitter.com/U9mtGpbJqg
Minister Gallant made a resolute statement about the potential conflict with Hezbollah, acknowledging the challenges Israel faces but also highlighting the severe repercussions such a conflict would have for Hezbollah and Lebanon. He stressed Israel's readiness to continue military actions until the northern communities can safely return to their homes, following a substantial improvement in border security.
This meeting coincides with a revealing survey conducted by Tel-Hai Academic College and Eshkol East Galilee, shedding light on the sentiment among residents of northern border towns. The survey reveals that nearly half of the residents evacuated due to the conflict are apprehensive about returning home. This fear is a direct consequence of the ongoing security challenges along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Gallant: Israel won’t cease fire at Hezbollah until it can guarantee security for residents in north https://t.co/R0iq1oSr5I via @timesofisrael
— EndGameWW3 🇺🇸 (@EndGameWW3) January 22, 2024
The survey indicates that while the majority of residents who stayed behind plan to continue living in their towns, nearly half of them reported experiencing post-traumatic symptoms, underscoring the human cost of the conflict.
Economic repercussions are also starkly evident. The survey shows that a significant majority of business owners and entrepreneurs in northern Israel have suffered financial losses due to the conflict, with half reporting severe economic impact.
🚨🇺🇸🇫🇷ISRAEL TO FRANCE: WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER | HEZBOLLAH THREAT TO THE WORLD
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 22, 2024
Gallant to French Defense Minister:
"Even if Hezbollah ceases fire unilaterally, Israel will not cease fire until it guarantees the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes… https://t.co/WywOcUXXc3 pic.twitter.com/Ufv1JF4uTi
These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures, with the implementation of Resolution 1701 being a key factor for residents' sense of safety. This resolution aims to displace Hezbollah forces from the Israel-Lebanon border, thereby neutralizing a major threat to Israel's security.
The survey, encompassing around 2,000 respondents from various local councils in the Eastern Galilee, highlights the diverse experiences and perspectives of those who stayed and those who were evacuated, painting a comprehensive picture of the war's impact on the local population.
🇮🇱#Israel PM Netanyahu:
— The Engineer (@iEngineerNews) January 21, 2024
“We are giving #Hezbollah a final chance to come to the negotiating table and let the residents in the north live in peace.”
“Otherwise we will inflict such a defeat on Hezbollah that they have NEVER witnessed before and will not be able to recover!” pic.twitter.com/HBLILe4Wek
In summary, the Gallant-Lecornu meeting, against the backdrop of the revealing survey, highlights the ongoing security challenges Israel faces and the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing these challenges. The steadfast commitment of both Israel and France to ensuring regional stability and security is a positive step towards achieving lasting peace and security in the Middle East.
