In an interview on Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued a stern warning to Iranian officials, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies. The interview came shortly after Israel launched an offensive into Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, following successful strikes against the group. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last weekend, prompting Iran to respond with 181 retaliatory missiles.
Gallant told chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst that Israel is considering all options in response to Iran’s attacks, including potential strikes on .
“At the moment, everything is on the table,” the Israeli official stated. “Israel will respond to the unprecedented Iranian attack in the manner of our choosing, and at the time and place of our choosing.”
President Biden expressed last week that he would not support an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but acknowledged Israel’s right to act “proportionately.” On Saturday, Vice President Kamala Harris pledged to send $157 million in “additional assistance” to Lebanon, which she described as facing a “dire humanitarian situation.”
“I am concerned about the security and well-being of civilians suffering in Lebanon and will continue working to help meet the needs of all civilians there,” Harris said.
Gallant emphasized his hope for continued cooperation with the United States military in light of the recent IDF strikes.
“It is important for us to hold discussions on strategic cooperation between our countries and defense cooperation in light of the threats posed by Iran and its proxies,” Gallant said. “We are powerful when we are aligned and I want to make sure of it.”
Gallant also attributed the IDF’s recent strikes in northern Gaza to thwarting planned attacks on Israeli citizens.
“We have conducted counterterrorism activities in northern Gaza and in Judea and Samaria, following intel indicating that terrorists were planning Oct. 7-style attacks on Israeli citizens,” he explained. “We will operate precisely and preemptively when necessary in order to defend our citizens.”
Gallant acknowledged the IDF’s recent successes against Hezbollah and pledged to continue the mission.
“Israel has made extraordinary achievements against Hezbollah – we will do what it takes to defend our citizens and our sovereignty,” Gallant said. “This includes eliminating their attack capabilities, taking out leadership, and placing a weapons embargo on Hezbollah.”
On Sunday, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder announced that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will host Gallant at the Pentagon on Wednesday.
“@SecDef will host Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon Oct. 9 for an official visit to discuss ongoing Middle East security developments & looks forward to welcoming the Minister back to Washington DC,” Ryder wrote.
Digital’s Greg Norman, Stephen Sorace and Michael Lee contributed to this report.