From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
After being fired, Gallant says ‘moral darkness’ surrounds us, calls to return hostages, draft ultra-Orthodox, establish Oct. 7 inquiry
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
After being fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, an emotional Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says he was dismissed over three issues — the sharing of the defense burden; the imperative to bring back the hostages; and the need to learn lessons through a state commission of inquiry into October 7 and the war that followed.
On the IDF draft, he says that “the issue isn’t only a social one, but is a topic central to our existence — the security of Israel and the nation that sits in Zion.”
Israel will be facing complex challenges in the coming years, he says. “In these circumstances, there is no choice. Everyone must serve in the IDF, and participate in the mission of defending Israel.”
He warns that the “discriminatory, corrupt law” on Haredi enlistment that the coalition is pushing must not be allowed to pass.
On the hostages in Gaza, he hints strongly that Israel should take a deal to get the hostages out even if it leaves Hamas in Gaza. “Whoever dies among the hostages can never be returned. There isn’t and will never be atonement for abandoning the hostages. It will become a mark of Cain on the forehead of Israeli society, and on those who are leading this mistaken path.”
He calls for a government investigation into October 7, citing the need to get at the truth and extract military, political and security lessons. Gallant says that this is the only way to prepare Israeli forces for future challenges.
Choking up, he says that Israel’s security is his life’s mission.
Gallant praises Israel’s war effort: “We struck in Gaza and Lebanon, the terror in Judea and Samaria. We eliminated terror leaders in the world and across the Middle East. We operated for the first time in a precise, lethal and swift strike in Iran.”
“Since October 7, I’ve focused on one mission — victory in the war,” he says.
Gallant warns of “a moral darkness” that “surrounds us.”
He does not mention Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The retired naval commando and general ends his remarks with a salute to the war-fallen, the hostages and their families.
