Outgoing Israeli Security Minister Disputes Need for Troop Presence in Gaza Amid Rising Tensions with Netanyahu
In recent statements, Israel's outgoing Security Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly told the families of Israeli captives in Gaza that there is no security justification for maintaining Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. Israeli media reported that Gallant, alongside Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief Herzi Halevi, questioned the necessity of troops remaining in Gaza, contradicting claims from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Gallant reportedly asserted, "There is no security reason for remaining in the Philadelphi Corridor," directly challenging Netanyahu’s narrative on the security value of a continued Gaza presence. Citing Channel 12, Gallant emphasized that all military objectives had been achieved in the region and implied that the primary motivation for staying is political, rather than strategic. He further criticized the idea of keeping forces in Gaza to "establish stability" as "inappropriate" if it meant endangering soldiers.
The remarks reveal an escalating division between Gallant, who has pushed for a ceasefire to facilitate the release of captives, and Netanyahu, who recently dismissed the minister from his post. Gallant’s statements highlight an intensifying debate within Israel’s leadership over the ongoing Gaza presence and broader strategic direction.