As the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East rapidly escalates, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued an ominous warning to Iranian officials in an interview with Fox News on Sunday.
The interview took place days after Israel invaded Lebanon as part of its operation to wipe out Hezbollah, carrying out several successful attacks against the terrorist group. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed over the weekend that it had killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Iran fired 181 retaliatory missiles in response.
In an exchange with Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst on Sunday, Gallant said the Israeli military is considering all options in response to an Iranian attack (including a possible attack) on Israel. I promised that I would be there. Iranian nuclear facilities.
“Everything is on the table at the moment,” the Israeli official said. “Israel will respond to this unprecedented Iranian attack in a manner of our choosing, at a time and place of our choosing.”
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Yoav Gallant warned that the Israel Defense Forces is considering various options to retaliate against the Iranian missile attack. (Ariel Harmoni/Anadolu, Wissam Hashramoun/Anadolu, via Getty Images)
President Biden told reporters last week that he did not support an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, but said Israel had the right to take “appropriate” action against Iran. On Saturday, Vice President Kamala Harris vowed to send $157 million in “additional aid.” to Lebanon, “We are facing an increasingly dire humanitarian situation,” she asserted.
“I am concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians suffering in Lebanon, and I remain committed to meeting the needs of all civilians in Lebanon,” Harris said.
In the White House's response to the IDF's recent attacks, Gallant emphasized that the United States hopes to continue working with the Israeli military.
“Given the threat posed by Iran and its proxies, it is important to discuss strategic and defense cooperation between the two countries,” Gallant said. “We are strong when we are on the same page, so I want to make sure of that.”
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On October 2, Israeli airstrikes hit the area between the villages of Kfarkera and Adeisit Marjayoun on Lebanon's southern border, causing thick smoke to rise. (Stringer/Stringer/dpa via Getty Images)
Gallant also said the IDF's recent attacks in northern Gaza were a response to terrorists planning “October 7-style attacks” against Israelis.
“We have carried out counter-terrorism operations in northern Gaza, Judea and Samaria, following information indicating that terrorists are planning attacks similar to those of October 7 against Israeli citizens,” he explained. “We will act precisely and preemptively as necessary to protect the people,” he said.
Military officials acknowledged the IDF's “extraordinary” victories against Hezbollah in recent weeks and vowed to continue the mission. On Friday, the IDF announced it had killed 250 Hezbollah terrorists, including several commanders, since the ground offensive began.
“Israel has achieved extraordinary results against Hezbollah, and we will do whatever it takes to protect our people and our sovereignty,” Gallant said. “This includes eliminating Hezbollah's offensive capabilities, removing its leadership, and imposing an arms embargo on Hezbollah.”
Late Sunday, Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder announced that Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin would welcome Gallant on Wednesday.
An Israeli soldier raises his fist from a moving APC in northern Israel on Tuesday, October 1. (AP/Buzz Ratner)
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“@SecDef will host Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on an official visit to the Pentagon on October 9th to discuss ongoing Middle East security developments, and will be hosting Israel's Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant in Washington DC to discuss ongoing Middle East security developments. We look forward to welcoming you back,” Ryder wrote.
Fox News Digital's Greg Norman, Stephen Sorace and Michael Lee contributed to this report.
