Title: War Cabinet Members Make Separate Statements on One-Month Anniversary of “Iron Swords” War
On the one-month anniversary of the “Iron Swords” war, the members of the War Cabinet, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Galant, and Minister Benny Gantz, made three separate statements this evening. The decision to not speak together raised questions, with the main reason being Prime Minister Netanyahu’s choice not to answer questions.
The statements were given individually from the Kirya in Tel Aviv, despite a proposal by Benny Gantz to hold a joint or even “quadruple” statement with the Chief of Staff in order to convey a united front to the public and the fighters. However, this proposal was ultimately rejected due to the gap between Galant and Gantz, who agreed to answer questions, and Netanyahu, who refrained from doing so.
In his speech, Gantz assured the residents of the north that they “will be able to live in their homes with security and hope”. He emphasized that this is their “order of existence, even if it takes time”. Netanyahu also referenced the northern front, stating that residents will be able to return to their homes and that Israel “will not accept a reality in which Hezbollah or Hamas-Lebanon will harm settlements and civilians”.
Additionally, Netanyahu mentioned in an interview with ABC and in other discussions that Israel would assume overall security responsibility for the Gaza Strip the day after, calling it “a deep responsibility”. In contrast, Defense Minister Galant stated that Israel would not be in Gaza, and that Hamas would not be in Gaza.
The divergence in statements from the War Cabinet members highlights potential divides in their approach and positions, raising questions about the government’s unified stance on the ongoing security challenges.