Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that "we will respond to any attack and retaliate anywhere to protect Israel." He stated today, Monday, that "we have strengthened our defenses in recent days following threats from Iran and Hezbollah to launch an attack." Gallant revealed that "on October 11, I wanted to attack Lebanon, but the Israeli Cabinet did not approve, and I do not recommend that now as it is a gamble."
Gallant briefed members of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Security Committee on the security situation regarding the war, efforts to bring back prisoners, and the operational need for recruiting more civilians to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. He stated, "Israel is at a crossroads; either a settlement and a prisoner exchange or escalation. My position, along with the security agencies, is to move towards a settlement and a prisoner exchange," asserting that "Israel is the reason for the delay in finalizing the prisoner exchange deal and the talk of absolute victory is pure nonsense."
He added, "Our duty is to create the conditions for the return of the captives. Creating the right conditions comes through creating military pressure, which may be followed by a deal that brings the captives back, even if it is not all at once but in stages." "Ynet" noted that Knesset member Tali Gottlieb addressed Gallant, saying, "I am not willing for you to talk nonsense about the Prime Minister's remarks," to which Gallant responded, "I am ready to face facts and actions… I know what I am saying, this war will be a gamble."
