Defense Minister Yoav Gallant didn’t hold back during a Knesset committee discussion on Israel’s handling of cross-border tensions with Hezbollah. His pointed remarks appeared to be a direct criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "I hear all the heroes with the war drums, the ‘absolute victory’ and this gibberish,” Gallant exclaimed during the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting.
Gallant Questions War Initiation Conditions
Gallant’s comments followed his response to a query on why Israel hasn’t initiated conflict against Hezbollah in Lebanon. He noted that “the conditions today for war in Lebanon are unlike those at the beginning of the war [last October].” This statement seemed to challenge the aggressive postures some have taken towards Hezbollah.
Defense Minister Gallant said today that talk of “total victory” (Netanyahu’s favorite slogan) is “rubbish”
— Anshel Pfeffer אנשיל פפר (@AnshelPfeffer) August 12, 2024
Netanyahu accuses him of “adopting the anti-Israel narrative” but is afraid of firing him.
The two men supposed to be leading Israel’s war effort slugging it out in public
Likud MK Defends Netanyahu
In an immediate response, Likud MK Tally Gotliv leaped to Netanyahu’s defense, posting on X (formerly Twitter) and calling for Gallant’s dismissal. She urged the Prime Minister to take decisive action against his defense minister.
Prime Minister’s Office Hits Back
The Prime Minister’s Office didn’t remain silent either. They released a strongly worded statement: “Gallant is bound by ‘absolute victory,’ too. When Gallant adopts an anti-Israel narrative, he hurts the chances of reaching a hostage deal.” The statement emphasized that Gallant should have targeted Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who has been obstructing negotiations for a hostage deal, rather than questioning Israel’s military strategy.
🟥MUST READ The families of abductees from Tikva Forum answering Defense Minister Galant:
— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) August 12, 2024
"We were amazed to hear the published things said by Minister Gallant in the committee.
A defense minister who does not strive for total victory is a defense minister who abandons most…
Netanyahu’s Stance on Absolute Victory
Reiterating Netanyahu’s stance, the PMO declared that Israel’s goal remains “absolute victory,” defined as the eradication of Hamas’s military and governance capabilities and the release of 111 hostages taken on October 7. The statement concluded that this directive is binding on all, including Gallant.
No Immediate Plans to Fire Gallant
Despite the heated exchanges, Hebrew media reported that Netanyahu is not currently considering Gallant’s dismissal.
Gallant Addresses Broader Security Concerns
During the same Knesset meeting, Gallant addressed the broader issue of an imminent Iranian attack. He reassured that the Western and Arab coalition against Iran stands firm. Despite historical tensions, the shared threat from Iran has united these diverse entities in defense cooperation.
I called Israeli Minister of Defense Gallant on Sunday to reiterate our commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East. Reinforcing this commitment, I have ordered the…
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) August 12, 2024
Iran-Hezbollah Threat Looms
Reports indicate that an Iran-Hezbollah attack could commence as soon as Monday night. Recalling April’s unprecedented Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel, Gallant highlighted the US-led coalition's vital role in defense, involving US, British, French, Saudi, and Jordanian forces.
Coalition Stability Amidst Rising Tensions
Following the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, the US has been working to revive the coalition, despite rising anti-Israel sentiment. Gallant reassured the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that the ‘US-EU-Sunni’ alliance remains intact.
Arab-Israeli Relations and the Coalition’s Future
The historic Sunni-Shia divide plays a significant role in the geopolitical landscape, with Sunni-majority Arab countries wary of Shia-majority Iran. Despite recent criticisms of Israel, the US has succeeded in convincing these countries to restrict Iranian use of their airspace for attacks on Israel. The geographical necessity of passing through Jordan or Saudi Arabia makes this restriction crucial.
Conclusion
Defense Minister Gallant’s candid comments and the subsequent reactions highlight the intense internal and external pressures facing Israel. As the threat from Iran and Hezbollah looms, Israel’s political and military strategies remain under close scrutiny. The cohesion of the Western-Arab coalition against Iran is a critical factor in the region's stability.
