Former Israeli Defense Minister Gallant: No reason to remain in the Gaza Strip

Statements made by former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who was dismissed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, before his removal have been published by the Israeli press. Reports in the Israeli media stated that hours before his dismissal, Gallant told the families of Israeli hostages that there was no reason for the Israeli army to remain in the Gaza Strip and that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was keeping soldiers in Gaza due to his "desire to stay there."

The reports indicated that Gallant told the hostage families that Netanyahu was the only person who could decide whether or not to accept a hostage deal, and that he had "tried and failed" to influence him on this matter.

The reports further noted that Gallant said, "The head of the Shin Bet, the Chief of General Staff, and I believe the head of the MOSSAD were also of the same opinion as me," and that Gallant had told Netanyahu last July that "conditions were ripe" for a deal, and that he had been in disagreement with Netanyahu ever since.

The reports stated that Gallant described the idea that Israel must remain in Gaza to ensure stability as an "inappropriate idea that puts soldiers' lives at risk," and that he expressed his belief that "governing Gaza would be bad for Israel."