Meeting US Secretary of State Blinken, Israeli Minister of Defense Says He Will Intensify Operations in Khan Younis to Find Hamas Leader

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel would intensify its operations in the Khan Younis area, southern Gaza, until Hamas leaders were found, when receiving a visit from United States Minister of State Antony Blinken in Tel Aviv, Tuesday.

On this occasion, Minister of Defense Gallant briefed Secretary of State Blinken on the development of the war and noted Israel's "change in combat tactics" in northern Gaza, where the military has reduced some fighting due to operational control.

On the other hand, Minister of Defense Gallant "stressed that operations in the Khan Younis area will escalate and continue until the Hamas leader is found, and the Israeli hostages return home safely," said a readout of the meeting, reported by The Times of Israel, January 10.

The Israeli Defense Minister also discussed tensions in the region, as well as attacks by Iran through its proxies at the meeting.

"Increased pressure on Iran is critical and can prevent regional escalation in other arenas," Secretary of Defense Gallant told Secretary of State Blinken.

Defense Minister Galllant added that Israel's main priority at the moment is to allow the return of residents to northern Israel, where fighting with Hezbollah is increasing amid fears of a wider conflict.

It is known that Foreign Minister Blinken visited Israel again, in the midst of a raging war. Before meeting Defense Minister Gallant, Foreign Minister Blinken successively met with Foreign Minister Israel Katz, President Isaac Herzog and PM Benjamin Netanyahu.