Netanyahu exchanges sharp remarks with defense minister regarding conflict in Gaza
Benjamin Netanyahu has labeled Yoav Gallant's remarks as “anti-Israel” following Gallant's characterization of the prime minister's objectives for Gaza as “gibberish.” Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have expressed conflicting views regarding the country's objectives in the Gaza war, highlighting a division within the Israeli government.
Gallant has openly dismissed Netanyahu’s commitment to achieving “total victory” over Hamas, as reported by Israeli media citing Tally Gotliv, a member of the ruling Likud party. During a private security briefing at the Knesset on Monday, Gallant, who has often advocated for a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, referred to Netanyahu’s aspirations as “gibberish” and a “beating of war drums.” Following the meeting, Gotliv criticized Gallant on X (formerly Twitter), urging Netanyahu to dismiss him from his position.
In response, Netanyahu’s office released a statement accusing Gallant of holding an “anti-Israel” viewpoint, suggesting he target his criticisms toward Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was labeled as “the only obstacle” to achieving a deal. The statement indicated, “When Gallant adopts an anti-Israel narrative, he hurts the chances of reaching a hostage deal,” according to the Times of Israel.
The statement reinforced Netanyahu’s pledge for “absolute victory,” a stance reportedly viewed by the cabinet as essential for concluding hostilities and securing the release of more than 100 hostages taken by Hamas following its October 7 attack on Israel, an event that escalated the conflict. “This is the clear directive of Prime Minister Netanyahu and the cabinet, and it is binding on everyone – including Gallant,” it stated. The possibility of Gallant being removed from his role was not mentioned in the statement, and subsequent reports indicated that Netanyahu was not contemplating such an action.
The exchange has attracted comments from Hamas, with political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq stating late Monday that Gallant’s remarks “confirm what we have always said: that Netanyahu is lying to the world” and “all he cares about is the continuation and expansion of the war.” Al-Rishq called for the international community to “exert pressure on Netanyahu and his government to stop the aggression and the war of genocide and reach an exchange deal.”
Last week, mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US urged both Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations, proposing to finalize the details of a ceasefire and hostage release at a planned meeting on August 15. The joint proposal called for both sides to agree on a ceasefire and exchange the hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. Previous negotiations have stalled, with both parties unable to concur on critical issues such as the presence of Israeli forces in Gaza and the repatriation of Palestinians to the northern region of the enclave.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
Gallant has openly dismissed Netanyahu’s commitment to achieving “total victory” over Hamas, as reported by Israeli media citing Tally Gotliv, a member of the ruling Likud party. During a private security briefing at the Knesset on Monday, Gallant, who has often advocated for a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, referred to Netanyahu’s aspirations as “gibberish” and a “beating of war drums.” Following the meeting, Gotliv criticized Gallant on X (formerly Twitter), urging Netanyahu to dismiss him from his position.
In response, Netanyahu’s office released a statement accusing Gallant of holding an “anti-Israel” viewpoint, suggesting he target his criticisms toward Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was labeled as “the only obstacle” to achieving a deal. The statement indicated, “When Gallant adopts an anti-Israel narrative, he hurts the chances of reaching a hostage deal,” according to the Times of Israel.
The statement reinforced Netanyahu’s pledge for “absolute victory,” a stance reportedly viewed by the cabinet as essential for concluding hostilities and securing the release of more than 100 hostages taken by Hamas following its October 7 attack on Israel, an event that escalated the conflict. “This is the clear directive of Prime Minister Netanyahu and the cabinet, and it is binding on everyone – including Gallant,” it stated. The possibility of Gallant being removed from his role was not mentioned in the statement, and subsequent reports indicated that Netanyahu was not contemplating such an action.
The exchange has attracted comments from Hamas, with political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq stating late Monday that Gallant’s remarks “confirm what we have always said: that Netanyahu is lying to the world” and “all he cares about is the continuation and expansion of the war.” Al-Rishq called for the international community to “exert pressure on Netanyahu and his government to stop the aggression and the war of genocide and reach an exchange deal.”
Last week, mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US urged both Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations, proposing to finalize the details of a ceasefire and hostage release at a planned meeting on August 15. The joint proposal called for both sides to agree on a ceasefire and exchange the hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. Previous negotiations have stalled, with both parties unable to concur on critical issues such as the presence of Israeli forces in Gaza and the repatriation of Palestinians to the northern region of the enclave.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
