Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in what he described as "talking to enemies and friends," affirmed that Israel will do whatever is necessary to achieve its military objectives in Gaza and in the north. This statement clearly responds to U.S. pressure aimed at halting operations in the city of Rafah. Gallant made these comments during a memorial ceremony for Israeli war casualties, following a warning from U.S. President Joe Biden that the United States would stop arms supplies if Israel invaded Rafah, where over a million Palestinian refugees reside.
Gallant stated in a speech released by his office: "I am speaking to Israel's enemies as well as our close friends. You cannot subdue the State of Israel. We will maintain our position, we will achieve our goals, we will strike Hamas, we will strike Hezbollah, and we will ensure security." The Defense Minister's comments highlight the extent of the disagreement between the Biden administration and the Israeli government.
