Israel's Defense Minister Discusses Gaza's New Phase With US Envoy, Formation Of New Regime?

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (black shirt)/PHOTO via Instagram @yoav.gallant

JAKARTA - Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed the transition to a new phase of war in Gaza with US envoy and US President Joe Biden's senior adviser, Amos Hochstein, when the two met in Washington.

"Minister Gallant told Hochstein that the transition to Fase C in the war in Gaza will have an impact on developments across all lines, and Israel is preparing every scenario both militarily and diplomatically," the Israeli Ministry of Defense said in a statement. CNN, Monday, June 24.

Israeli officials have not clarified what Gallant means by Phase C.

But on October 20, shortly after a terror attack that sparked a massive Israeli military response in Gaza, Gallant and Defense Affairs Committee Knesset said the war against Hamas would have three main phases.

The First phase will include a military campaign involving air and land assets.

While the Second Phase, it will involve fighting but with a 'lower intensity' and to'remove the pockets of resistance.'

Gallant said the third phase was the formation of a new security regime in the Gaza Strip, the abolition of Israel's responsibility for daily life in the Gaza Strip, and the creation of a new security reality for Israelis.

It is unclear whether Phase C is meant to be the third phase of the plan previously outlined by Gallant. CNN contacted Israel's Defense Ministry for clarification but has not received a response.

Gallant said by uploading an X account after the meeting he stressed to Hochstein "transition to phase III of fighting in Gaza will affect all fighting sectors."

"We are prepared to face all possibilities, both military and political," said Gallant.

The statement said Gallant and Hochstein discussed escalating conflict on the Israeli-Lebanon border.