Gallant warns Netanyahu: Israel’s war lacks clear direction and updated objectives

Israel’s war strategy lacks clear direction and needs updated objectives, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday in a confidential letter, as reported by Channel 13 and independently confirmed by The Jerusalem Post.

In the letter, Gallant expressed serious concerns that while the threats to Israel evolve, the war’s objectives have not kept pace, leading to potential missteps in cabinet decision-making.

Channel 13 reported that Gallant sent the letter to Netanyahu and the security cabinet hours before Israel launched an airstrike on Iran on Friday. 

“The situation in which we find ourselves operating without a reinforced compass and without updated objectives for the war impairs the conduct of the campaign and the cabinet’s decision-making,” Gallant stated. 

He emphasized that escalating confrontations, particularly with Iran, require a comprehensive review of war objectives across multiple fronts.

Gallant’s proposals included specific goals for different fronts in the conflict.

Gaza

Establish a non-threatening environment, halt terrorist growth, secure the return of all hostages, and foster a civilian government model to replace Hamas.

Lebanon 

Improve security conditions to enable the safe return of northern residents.

Iran

Maintain deterrence to keep Iran from escalating the conflict.

West Bank 

Suppress potential violence through anti-terror operations.

Personal and international security 

Strengthen national security and international legitimacy.Channel 13 further reported that Gallant’s letter was distributed to the inner cabinet but not to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Netanyahu's response

The Prime Minister’s Office dismissed Gallant’s concerns as “extremely puzzling,” maintaining that “one compass” exists for the war – the goals set by the cabinet. 

These objectives, according to the office, “are continuously reviewed and were recently expanded.”