Gallant tells Blinken Israel is committed to achieving its war goals in Gaza

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant tells visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that “Israel’s defense establishment is committed to continue operating in Gaza until the goals of the war are achieved — the return of the hostages and dismantling Hamas,” according to Gallant’s office.

“The minister emphasized the importance of ongoing military pressure placed by Israel on Hamas, alongside the need for ongoing US political pressure on Hamas, until a framework is achieved that will enable the return of hostages to Israel,” says the Israeli readout.

Though there have been public disagreements in recent weeks over hostage talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the defense community headed by Gallant, the message put out following the Blinken meeting is in line with Netanyahu’s messaging of late.

Gallant also shows Blinken a photo of the 12 children killed by a Hezbollah rocket in Majdal Shams last month.

Blinken is now meeting with families of hostages, and will then give a statement to the press.