Outgoing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has reportedly told families of hostages held in Gaza that Israel’s military has no security or diplomatic justification for remaining in the Gaza Strip. According to Hebrew media reports, Gallant, alongside IDF chief Herzi Halevi, expressed skepticism about the need to keep Israeli forces in Gaza, specifically in the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip of land along the border between Gaza and Egypt.

“I can tell you what there was not, security considerations,” Gallant is quoted as saying, adding that both he and Halevi did not believe there were any strategic reasons to stay. He also dismissed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s claims that the presence in Gaza was driven by diplomatic concerns, stating, “There was no diplomatic consideration.”

Gallant further stated, “There’s nothing left in Gaza to do. The major achievements have been achieved,” and warned that the idea of remaining in Gaza to create stability was an “inappropriate idea to risk soldiers’ lives over.”

These comments highlight a significant difference between Gallant and Netanyahu, especially after Gallant’s support for a ceasefire deal to bring hostages home. Gallant was dismissed by Netanyahu earlier this week, and his ouster will officially take effect in two hours. Gallant’s remarks underscore the ongoing debate over Israel’s military strategy in Gaza as the conflict continues.