Yoav Gallant
Most Israelis support a preemptive strike against the terrorist group and its sponsor, polls show.
The two defense chiefs also discussed the deployment of additional defenses against ballistic missiles.
Yoav Gallant has turned into a political nemesis for the prime minister, but circumstances may keep the pair working together to fight Israel’s enemies.
“In the face of the enemy’s attempt to sow fear, we must continue with routine life,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said.
The CENTCOM commander was in Israel as part of a Mideast trip to mobilize the coalition against upcoming attacks.
At least five U.S. personnel wounded by rocket strike on the Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq • Biden briefed about timing and nature of Iranian strike on Israel • Details still not clear, U.S. officials say.
“Our enemies are carefully considering their every move because of the capabilities you have demonstrated,” the Israeli defense minister told troops.
The U.S. secretary of defense also “expressed strong support for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal,” per the Pentagon.
The Israeli defense minister called the killing of the terror leader in Gaza a “significant milestone’ in dismantling Hamas.
Jerusalem still hopes to free the captives through diplomatic means, the defense minister said.
“They discussed the threats to Israel posed by a range of Iranian-backed terrorist groups, including Lebanese Hizballah.”
In its readout of the conversation, the Israeli Defense Ministry made no mention of diplomatic negotiations with the Lebanese terrorist army.
