Gallant: Israel working to return hostages via both military action and negotiations

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, speaking to troops in southern Gaza’s Rafah, says Israel is actively working to return the hostages held by the Hamas terror group, both “physically and also by reaching deals.”

“Our goal[s] in the Gaza Strip have become much clearer here in Rafah — to eliminate Hamas, bring back the hostages and maintain freedom of action,” he says.

On the hostages, Gallant says Israel is “making tremendous efforts… in every possible way, both physically and by reaching deals.”

Gallant also comments on a viral video in which a masked ostensible reservist calls for mutiny, saying, “In the IDF there is only one authority, it is the authority of the commander. Each person has their commander: the company commander, the battalion commander, the brigade commander, the division commander, the general [at the head of the regional command], and finally the chief of staff, he is the one who gives instructions in the army.”

“There are no third parties… this is the law and that’s how it works and that’s how it will work,” he adds.

Gallant’s office says the minister was briefed in Rafah on the IDF’s fighting effort against Hamas above and below ground in the area of southern Gaza.