Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Thursday that Israel must broaden its objectives in the ongoing war in Gaza to include returning Israelis displaced amid ongoing attacks by Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon to their homes in the north.
During strategy briefings and consultations with the IDF chief of staff and senior IDF officials, Gallant said Israel's mission on the northern front is clear: to “ensure that northern communities return safely to their homes.”
“To achieve this, we must broaden the objectives of this war,” Gallant said, adding that he planned to raise the issue with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet.
Gallant said Israel's broadening war aims “does not weaken our absolute determination to dismantle Hamas and return the hostages.”
Israel kills Palestinian commander Mohammed Jaber “Abu Shuja” amid escalating fighting: IDF
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (center) meets with Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown (left) and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Helge Halevi. (Ariel Hermoni/Israel Ministry of Defense)
The October 7 attack by Hamas into southern Israel triggered the war in Gaza.
Hezbollah opened a second front against Israel the following day, and fighting across the Israeli-Lebanese border has since escalated, threatening to spark a regional conflict.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant met at the Israeli Defense Ministry on August 25 after the IDF's preemptive strikes against Hezbollah. (Israel Government Press Office)
Many border towns in northern Israel have been evacuated and residents have yet to return.
Click here to get the FOX News app
In his meetings with military officials, Gallant reviewed Israel's achievements in Gaza so far, including its goal of defeating the Islamist group Hamas and returning Israeli hostages.
Reuters contributed to this report.
