Netanyahu’s office fires back after defense minister’s critique of Hamas war strategy
Tensions rise in Israeli leadership over war goals
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has strongly rebuked Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after he criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s goal of achieving “total victory” over Hamas in the ongoing conflict, calling it “gibberish.”
Netanyahu accused Gallant of adopting “an anti-Israel narrative” that undermines the efforts of Israeli forces and hinders negotiations. “When Gallant adopts the anti-Israel narrative, he harms the chances of reaching a hostage-release deal,” the PMO stated, according to the New York Times.
Gallant’s defiance sparks backlash
Gallant made his controversial comments during a private security briefing with lawmakers on Monday (August 12), where he expressed skepticism about the notion of absolute victory. “I hear all the heroes with the war drums, ‘absolute victory,’ and all that gibberish. I saw that courage when it came down to the discussion,” Gallant reportedly said.
His remarks quickly drew a sharp response from Likud MK Tally Gotliv, a prominent populist, who declared, “I am not prepared for you to call the prime minister’s words ‘gibberish.’” Gallant stood his ground, replying, “I am prepared to debate with facts and action. I might be weak with media and politics, but on security, I know what I am talking about.”
Following the heated exchange, Gotliv called on Netanyahu to dismiss Gallant from his position. She was later blocked from questioning Gallant by the chair of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Yuli Edelstein.
History of tensions between Gallant and Netanyahu
This latest clash comes after Gallant was previously fired by Netanyahu in March 2023 for warning about divisions within the national security apparatus. However, public protests forced Netanyahu to reinstate him two weeks later.
US boosts military presence in middle east amid escalating tensions
Amid the growing discord within Israel’s leadership, the United States on Sunday (August 11) ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, aimed at bolstering Israel’s defense against potential threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.
The Pentagon confirmed that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart and directed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to expedite its movement to the region. This move follows the recent deployment of additional fighter jets and navy warships to the area, reflecting the White House’s concern over potential retaliatory attacks that could escalate into a broader conflict. Israel remains on high alert, particularly after the back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.Israeli PM Netanyahu and defense minister Gallant clash in heated exchange