Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has expressed his continued support for IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, stating that he has no intention of replacing the military's top leader while security threats persist along Israel's northern border. This stance comes amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon and internal discussions about accountability for the Oct. 7 Hamas onslaught.

In recent closed-door conversations, the contents of which were obtained by Israel Hayom, Gallant reportedly stated, "I trust the chief of staff and have confidence in him. I don't intend to replace him while there's an open front in the north."

Even eight months after Oct. 7, it appears the defense minister believes there is still no place for leadership changes at the top of the defense establishment while the war has not ended, and there remains a significant chance that Israel may engage in a campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

These statements from Gallant are significant and may result in Halevi continuing to lead the IDF for many more months or even longer if a prolonged campaign in Lebanon develops. This is alongside the fact that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gallant, and the rest of the political echelon are not even considering the option of resigning due to their responsibility for the failure that led to the massacre.

According to media reports, Halevi had indicated the completion of IDF investigations into the Oct. 7 events as a time when he could step down, with estimates pointing to around September.

Now, as Israel moves towards "Phase 3," which is seen as the official end of intense fighting in Gaza, many expect Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar to resign from their positions, following their declarations of taking responsibility for the failure. Halevi could certainly resign and request to end his role, but it seems that if it depends on Gallant as he may ask the chief of staff to stay as long as it's unclear how the situation in the north will develop.

Military sources told Israel Hayom, "If the chief of staff resigns now, before it's clear what's happening in the north, it will lead to the resignation of all the senior officials under him who were connected to the failure – and it will shake up the army. This needs to be managed professionally. The IDF cannot undergo upheaval when there's still a possibility of an all-out war in the north."

The resignations of Halevi and Bar have political significance. Government ministers from Likud and Religious Zionism believe the two should have resigned long ago. However, their resignations would lead to public demand for the Prime Minister and the entire government to resign as well. In other words, the pressure would escalate.

On the other hand, the opposition and protest leaders fear that if the chief of staff and shin bet head resign, the government will remain and appoint its own people in their place – essentially, political appointments. This is more related to the Shin Bet chief, who is appointed by the prime minister and has a direct connection to democratic components in the state.

Regarding the chief of staff, the leading candidate to replace Halevi is Defense Ministry Director-General Eyal Zamir. In the case of the chief of staff's resignation, the question arises: Does the government, which was responsible for the failure, even have a public mandate to appoint the next military leader who will rehabilitate the army?

Gallant's office responded, "We do not comment on closed conversations and regret leaks from them."

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Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is holding up the transfer of a nearly $1.7 billion budget for the procurement of ammunition and combat equipment urgently needed by the Israeli military and security forces amid the current fighting, Israel Hayom has learned.

Half of the delayed budget is earmarked for the purchase of air munitions for aircraft operating nonstop since the war began, while another half is for Iron Dome interceptor missiles and additional funds for other systems.

The procurements involve Israeli-made munitions from domestic defense industries like Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael. As commercial companies, they require payment upfront to order raw materials and begin production, as they cannot fund the military until the budget is approved.

A committee that could influence the military's structure

The $1.7 billion Smotrich is withholding comes from a $45 billion annual defense budget already passed for this year's war operations. However, despite the approval, the Finance Ministry is delaying the full appropriation to pressure the security establishment into establishing a public committee to examine the defense budget.

Citing various considerations, some of which are allegedly politically motivated, Smotrich is demanding a public committee composed of security and economic experts to review the defense budget. However, he wants the committee not only to examine the budget but to have a mandate to make decisions that would impact the military's structure.

Previously, Israel Hayom reported that Smotrich was also delaying a decision on purchasing US fighter jet squadrons, even though the funding comes from American military aid paid directly to American companies. In Smotrich's view, the security establishment failed on October 7, so it is appropriate for an external body to scrutinize matters. The security forces counter that the military and Defense Ministry have always determined their work plans, approved by elected officials, arguing the Finance Ministry cannot dictate how many brigades the military maintains or which aircraft the air force acquires.

Since the war's outbreak, and more intensely in recent months, Israel has effectively faced an arms embargo, with few countries willing to sell it combat equipment. Therefore, the security forces rely primarily on the United States and domestic production.

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Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned Hezbollah and its leader Hassan Nasrallah Tuesday that Israel "will not hesitate to use all our power" against the Lebanese terror group.

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"I warn Hezbollah, Nasrallah – not to make a mistake. You have made mistakes in the past, you have paid very heavy prices. If heaven forbid, an escalation or conflict develops here, we will return Lebanon to the Stone Age. We will not hesitate to use all our power, and wear down every inch of Hezbollah and Lebanon if we have to," Gallant said while touring Israel's northern border with Lebanon.

He also "stressed the importance of speeding up the construction of the [security] barrier," and strengthening Israeli forces "in the face of the growing challenges" in the area.

"I arrived this morning at the northern border, in order to closely follow the events that have been happening here lately. I met here with the commanders of the IDF and the fighters - we have excellent commanders and determined fighters," Gallant said.

The defense minister visited the "Galil" Division 91 together with the commander of the Northern Command, Maj. Gen. Uri Gordin, and other senior officers, where he "observed and assessed the situation in the Har Dov region, and spoke about the latest developments in the sector."

Gallant was also given "an overview of the defense efforts being made along the border, and of the progress of the construction of the barrier that is being carried out these days," an official statement said.

He stressed that Israel "will know how to protect its citizens in any way. The enemy needs to understand that when it comes to Israel's security - we are all united. Make no mistakes, we do not want war, but we are ready to protect our citizens, our soldiers, and our sovereignty."

This article was first published by i24NEWS.

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Political officials stressed this week that contrary to recent media reports, they will address the latest incident with Hezbollah, namely the terror group setting up a tent in the Israeli territory north of the Blue Line.

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In a recent confidential meeting, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told members of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that the move by Hezbollah – led by Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah – did not pose a security risk that would require immediate action.

Video: Hezbollah films IDF chief during visit to northern border

"These are provocations and a violation of sovereignty, so we will deal with it at a time of our choosing," Gallant said.

According to defense officials, the current policy is to refrain from being dragged into a confrontation with the terror group and respond to events case-by-case.

Similarly, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said in an interview on Monday that the development did not endanger Israel's security, and called the move "childish."

Nevertheless, he stressed that the tent and a series of other recent Hezbollah provocations in Israel pointed to a "weakening in the policy of self-restraint" that the terror group adopted after the 2006 war with Israel. Most recently, it published footage of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and other military officials, on the northern border without protective gear. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed the matter in a cabinet meeting on Sunday, saying, "On a day of decision, he will find us standing together shoulder to shoulder. Nasrallah also knows that he and Lebanon shouldn't test us."

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In a call with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Tuesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called for political consensus in Israel over the judicial reform.

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Earlier this week, the Knesset ratified an initial bill aimed at curbing the power of the Supreme Court following months of internal unrest over the proposal and appeals from the US and other countries to hold off and negotiate with the Opposition.

Video: Anti-reform demonstrations outside the Supreme Court

The demonstrations also affected the IDF, with protest leaders citing growing numbers of military reservists who say they would no longer report for duty if the government pressed ahead with its plans.

Former Israeli top brass have warned that Israel's war-readiness, with Arab and Iranian enemies spread across the Middle East, could be at risk.

"Austin underscored the United States' belief that broad consensus through political dialogue, especially in the coming weeks and months, are critical elements of a resilient democracy," a Pentagon readout of the call said.

The readout did not directly address protests by IDF reservists, and Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh declined to say during a news conference whether Austin raised any concerns he might have about impacts on Israeli military readiness in the call.

The White House on Monday called it "unfortunate" that the Knesset ratified part of the contested legislation.

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Seventeen Israeli defense firms participated in the inauguration of the national pavilion at the 2023 Paris Air Show on Monday.

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The event follows a banner year for Israeli defense exports, which hit an all-time high of $12.5 billion in 2022. Israeli defense exports have doubled in less than a decade and increased by 50% over the past three years.

The Israeli delegation is being led by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and includes the ministry's Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir and other senior officials.

"Israel's ability to face threats is determined by the dedicated individuals who tirelessly work to develop state-of-the-art technology. This ongoing and highly challenging battle of intellect mostly takes place behind the scenes," said Gallant on Monday.

"Iran is closer than ever to gaining military-nuclear capabilities, and it is conducting a war of attrition against us by engaging in proxy terrorism. This clear strategy aims to destabilize not only the region but also the world. In response to Iran's efforts, the Israeli defense establishment is working to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power, utilizing all the resources at our disposal," he added.

The Israeli leaders will "engage in discussions and foster collaborations with global counterparts to further advance Israeli defense industries and strengthen official partnerships," according to a government statement.

Held every two years, the world's largest air and aerospace defense exhibition attracts a diverse range of exhibitors, official delegations, professionals and audiences. Some 150,000 professionals and more than 2,500 defense industries are participating in this year's event, showcasing cutting-edge technological solutions in the aerospace, civilian and defense sectors.

"Defense industrial cooperation stands as a vital cornerstone of our strategic defense alliances with partners worldwide. Israel's defense establishment and industries have long been at the forefront of pioneering defense technology and solutions, earning international recognition and trust in our technological capabilities," said Brig. Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas, head of the Defense Ministry's International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT).

"We are honored to participate in this esteemed exhibition and look forward to further fruitful collaborations with our counterparts," Kulas added.

The Israeli companies will present a wide array of technological solutions at the national pavilion including air defense systems, unmanned aerial systems, radar and laser technologies, missile warning systems, and advanced command and control solutions.

The Israeli defense industries participating are Aeronautics, Ashot Ashkelon Industries, Bet Shemesh Engines, Bird Aerosystems, Bluebird Aero Systems, Copterpix, Creomagic, CTI-INTL Solutions, Elbit Systems, Enercon Technologies, Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, SpearUAV, Steadicopter, Thermal Beacon, Tomer–A Government Owned Company Ltd. and UVision Air.

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During his visit, Gallant is slated to meet counterparts from France, Italy, Hungary and Romania.

Earlier this week, he met with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Brussels "to discuss opportunities to expand military cooperation to counter regional threats."

Gallant and Austin agreed to continue collaborating to address "the wide range of threats posed by Iran, including its nuclear program, destabilizing regional activities and proliferation of uncrewed aerial systems and other lethal assistance throughout the Middle East and to Russia," according to a US readout of their conversation.

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.

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Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Thursday that Iran could have enough enriched uranium for five nuclear weapons, and warned Tehran that proceeding to weapons-grade enrichment could "ignite the region."

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His remarks echoed international concerns, which have mounted over the past months, on Tehran enriching uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels. Experts have said that the Islamic Republic has enough fuel to build "several" atomic bombs if it chooses.

"Make no mistake, Iran will not be satisfied by a single nuclear bomb," Gallant said during a visit to Athens.

Uranium enriched for use in nuclear power plants is normally below 20%, while 90% enrichment is considered to be weapons grade.

"So far, Iran has gained material enriched to 20% and 60% for five nuclear weapons," Gallant said. "Iranian progress, enrichment to 90%, would be a grave mistake on Iran's part and could ignite the region."

Israel's leadership argues that Iran can only be stopped from developing nuclear weapons by the threat of military action, while the United States publicly favors a return to multilateral diplomatic efforts.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said in March it would restart inspections and camera-monitoring at some Iranian nuclear facilities after it reported that particles of highly enriched uranium were found at an underground nuclear site.

In Athens, Gallant was hosted by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos. The two promised to further enhance military cooperation.

Greece last year launched a new international pilot training center, assisted by Israel and Israeli defense contractor Elbit in a $1.65 billion deal. And last month, Israel agreed to provide Greece with Spike anti-tank missiles in an agreement worth $400 million.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Saturday that Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, whom he had previously fired in a dispute over judicial reforms, would remain in office.

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In a Hebrew press conference that began shortly after 8:25 p.m. local time, Netanyahu further pledged to bring justice to those who have attacked Israelis in recent days and to reach a broad consensus on judicial reform, which has caused much domestic upheaval in the past few months.

Netanyahu began his remarks with condolences for the British Israeli Dee family. Earlier in the day, Lucy Dee, 48, died from wounds sustained during a terrorist attack that killed her daughters Maia, 20, and Rina, 15.

"May God avenge their blood," he said.

On the security front, the prime minister criticized the previous government, saying terrorist attacks doubled under its tenure. He also blamed the Israel-Lebanon gas deal and threats from Israeli soldiers not to serve for the recent wave of terror attacks.

"Our enemies saw the calls for refusal as weakness," he said of the latter. However, he continued, "this is my responsibility" and "I act with responsibility."

Netanyahu added that his government brought about the decade with the least number of terror attacks in Israeli history and pledged to restore peace and quiet. "I can't tell you all that we are doing, but we are doing a lot," he said.

If there are further attacks from Syria, the country and its President Bashar Assad will pay "a very heavy price," said Netanyahu, adding that Israel will not allow Hamas to entrench itself in Lebanon. Hamas received the message from Israel in Gaza, according to Netanyahu, who promised that, if they wish it, Israel's enemies will meet the "full power" of the Israel Defense Forces.

Netanyahu said he stands with Gallant, despite their past differences, which he admitted have been significant. "I decided to put differences aside," he said.

Collaboration on security issues

In response to questions from reporters, Netanyahu said Israel must reach "a wide agreement" on judicial reforms.

"There will not be a halachic state," he promised. He also pledged to protect minorities, including haredim, and said that a new National Guard "will not be the militia of anyone," a reference to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Netanyahu added that, despite polls suggesting a major drop in support for him and his party, the government will remain in power for four years. He also slammed the former government for forming a coalition with "the Muslim Brotherhood" – a reference to the Arab Ra'am Party – which the prime minister said had made it unable to fight terror.

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Despite recent criticism from US President Joe Biden, Netanyahu said relations with Washington are good, and there is collaboration "at this time" on security issues. He added that what world leaders have said to him behind the scenes is "completely different" from their public criticism of Israel.

In response to an English-language question about signs at protests that directed obscenities at Biden, Netanyahu said he condemned such slogans. "You don't curse the American president," he said.

He added that Israel can say "no" to Washington when necessary, though the United States is an "indispensable ally."

In response to a question referring to recently revealed US intelligence documents, Netanyahu said that Israel is not sending offensive weapons to Ukraine. He added of Israel playing a possible role in ending the Russia-Ukraine war, and "if I can contribute to that, I will."

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.

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Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, whose dismissal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brought the country's constitutional crisis to a boil, is staying in office until further notice, aides said on Tuesday, suggesting government indecision on how to proceed.

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Beset by three months of unprecedented protests against his Coalition's signature plan to reform the judiciary, Netanyahu on Monday hit the pause button and called for compromise negotiations with the Opposition.

"Our goal is to reach agreements," he said in a pre-Passover toast to his staff, likening the crisis to a squabble among family gathered for the Jewish festival that begins next week.

But prospects appeared clouded. The Opposition, citing the continued presence of the highly contested bill on parliament's line-up, threatened to boycott any talks should it proceed.

"The walls of suspicion and hostility are higher than ever," President Isaac Herzog, who has offered to mediate between the sides, lamented in a speech.

Herzog was set to hold a first meeting with the delegations on Tuesday, his office said.

The suspension of the reforms stabilized Israel's shaken economy and was welcomed by Western powers. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told Reuters he was launching a diplomatic outreach aimed at reburnishing Israel's democratic credentials internationally.

However, questions lingered about Netanyahu's credibility – including in his own camp – after open dissent by some senior Likud party colleagues.

Among these was Gallant, who on Saturday broke rank by openly calling for a halt to the legislation in the name of preventing anti-reform protests from spreading in the IDF. A day later, Netanyahu said he was firing Gallant.

Ordinarily, that termination would have gone into effect on Tuesday, but Gallant aides said he never got the notification letter formally required to begin the 48-hour countdown to his removal from office and was continuing to work.

Asked whether Gallant was being kept on or replaced, spokespeople for Netanyahu and Likud had no immediate comment.

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Defense Minister Yoav Gallant canceled a press conference Thursday after reportedly planning to publicly call on the government to halt the highly-disputed judicial reform, in a move that would have heralded a split in the right-wing Coalition. However, just hours later, some of the people in his orbit said he could still go ahead with his public statement in light of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech on Thursday in which he vowed to continue with the overhaul.

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Gallant canceled his planned statement after being summoned by  Netanyahu.

The defense minister expressed concern over some soldiers' and reservists' refusal to serve in wake of the legislation as well as external threats against Israel he said were getting stronger as Israel was perceived as divided and weak.

In a press conference of his own later, Netanyahu said, "I met with Gallant, I heard his fears regarding national security. Yet I must also say reiterate, there is no place for refusing military service because it risks the personal safety of all of us. There is no justification for refusing the serve."

Netanyahu is said to have asked Gallant for more time. The foreign minister, in turn, replied that he trusted Netanyahu and would try to calm the winds.

Nevertheless, Gallant's associates said that if nothing changed, he might go through with his planned statement.

i24NEWS contributed to this report.

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