Major-General Yoav Galant
צילום: צפריר אביוב
Senior officer: Army ready for months-long operation
(VIDEO) Southern Command chief, Major-General Yoav Galant tells Channel 2's Meet the Press: 'When Hamas does the math a month or two from now, they'll think twice before attacking Israel again.' Galant states no ceasefire offer was put on table by Palestinians
VIDEO - Southern Command chief, Major-General Yoav Galant warned on Saturday that Israel is prepared for an extended stay in Gaza. "We are ready to continue the operation for a month, two months, and if it is required even longer, using targeted actions and raids," Galant said in an interview with Channel 2's Meet the Press.
"I presented this to the IDF chief of staff and gave orders to my subordinates how this should be implemented," he added. "This means that when the Palestinians do their math starting a month or two months from now, they'll be counting hundreds of dead terrorists, damaged infrastructures, offices that have been destroyed, production plants that were harmed and maybe some Qassam that were fired at Israel."
Strike on tunnel near Karni crossing (Video: IDF Spokesperson Unit) (דובר צה"ל)
"When they do the overall math, I suppose they'll think twice before the next attack and the next kidnapping attempt," he added.
The Command chief also explained that "while military means are an important part of the operation, we are subordinate to the political echelon, which will find a way to balance between the different equations."
Gallant also commented on Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh's call for a ceasefire: "If Hamas wants to stop the fighting and release Gilad – we'll cease our fire," he stressed. However, he added, "no one has discussed a truce with me. In this place talks, statements and words are meaningless – only actions on the ground and clear proof are important. If they stop – we'll stop. If not – we'll continue."
Gallant said that the mission carried out by the IDF in recent days is expected to allow the political echelon "more room for maneuvers," and stressed that the force should be prepared for terror attacks through tunnels, "which may happen in the coming days."
