Gallant meets Sullivan, threatens Hamas with ‘consequences’ if it doesn’t accept proposed deal

Visiting the United States, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant threatens Hamas that it will “bear the consequences” if it doesn’t accept a UN-endorsed proposal for a hostage and truce deal.

“We stand firmly behind the President’s deal, which Israel has accepted, and now Hamas must accept — or bear the consequences,” Gallant says, according to a transcript of his remarks sent by his office.

Gallant, who is meeting US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan at the White House, adds that Israel is “committed to bringing the hostages home, with no exception.

“But let it be known that our war is not with the people of Gaza. Our war is not with the people of Lebanon. Our war is against Hamas, Hezbollah and their backer – the Iranian regime,” he continues. “We only fight those who seek to harm us.”

The defense minister also says Jerusalem, and he personally, are “committed to facilitating the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Hailing the “powerful and enduring bond” between the two nations and Israel’s appreciation for Washington’s “overt and covert” support throughout the war, Gallant acknowledges the differences exposed by the public spat over US munitions allegedly withheld from the Jewish state.

“In every family — and we consider the American people our family — disagreements may arise. Yet like all families, we discuss our disagreements in-house, and remain united,” he says, in a remark interpreted by some as a veiled jab at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who initiated the public tiff.