Gantz: ‘We are not in the government to stay, but rather so we will win’

Speaking during a televised press conference, war cabinet minister Benny Gantz stresses his commitment to returning the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 and says the war against the Gaza-ruling terror group is progressing in accordance with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi’s plans.

Gantz, who heads the National Unity party, says the military campaign in Gaza will continue and even expand to other areas as necessary.

Turning to Israel’s allies overseas, Gantz says, “the situation on the northern border requires change.”

“The hourglass for a diplomatic arrangement is running out,” he adds, vowing the IDF will move to distance Hezbollah from the border if Lebanon and the world don’t act.

Turning to Israel’s domestic divisions, Gantz says that after the Hamas atrocities on October 7, “it was clear to all of us that the rift among us is fuel for our enemies.”

“We united immediately… We proved to our enemies and the world that Israeli national power is strong and deep,” he says.

“Unfortunately, in recent days, there are those permitting themselves to go back to October 6,” Gantz adds.

Reiterating his opposition to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s decision not to extend Israel Prison Service Commissioner Katy Perry’s tenure, Gantz warns the move will harm Israeli security.

“The situation of the country is one of the most challenging we’ve known in our history and it will last for some time” Gantz says. “I hear people who believe that my friends and I need to quit the government, to which I wish to stress: We are not in the government to stay, but rather so we will win.”