Defence Minister Opposes IDF Rule Over Gaza Post-War

Defence Minsiter Yoav Gallant has been speaking at a press conference on a number of issues related to the war in Gaza. Regarding the future of Gaza after the war, Gallant claims that 'alternative governance to Hamas must be established in the Gaza strip', adding that his effort to raise the issue of post-war Gaza rule since October 'got no response' in the Israeli cabinet. Says that he would oppose Israeli military rule over Gaza as it 'would be bloody, costly, and last years'.

• Gallant: "We must eliminate the governmental capabilities of Hamas, the way to do this is military activity and the establishment of a governmental entity: In the absence of such action, two options will remain - Hamas rule or Israeli military rule in the Gaza Strip. Both options are bad."
• On relations with the US Gallant says it is "essential, strong, and stable." Says there are "differences of opinion, but I would like to make it clear that the US was the first to stand with us in actions, not in words." In veiled criticism of other Israeli gov't politicians he says "We resolve the disputes in the closed rooms, not in interviews or in tweets,"