Defense Minister Gallant Says the War with Hamas will End if Israel Achieves All Their Targets

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Gallant vowed that the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip will end after Israel achieves its objectives, despite international pressure to immediately complete the operation.

"The war will end when its objectives are achieved. I consider everything the US asks and says and respond seriously, together with all cabinet members, to what America is doing," said Defense Minister Gallant, reported by The Times of Israel, December 12.

"We will find a way to help America help us," he continued.

Responding to another question regarding the possibility of a new hostage deal with Hamas, Gallant said: "I believe that if we increase military pressure, there will be offers for more hostage deals, and if there are offers, we will consider them."

Defense Minister Gallant also said that two Hamas battalions, the Jabaliya Battalion and the Shejaiya Battalion in northern Gaza were on the verge of destruction.

"We have surrounded Hamas' last bastions in Jabaliya and Shejaiya, the supposedly invincible battalions, which have been preparing for years to fight us, are now on the verge of collapse," he said.

He said hundreds of Hamas members had surrendered to Israeli forces in recent days, which he said "shows what is happening" to the militant group.

"Whoever surrenders, his life will be spared," Defense Minister Gallant said, adding that among those arrested by the IDF were perpetrators who took part in the October 7 terror attack on the Israeli community.

"They tell us very interesting things," he said, apparently referring to intelligence obtained from the detainees.