Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed his belief that a temporary truce with Hamas could not only stabilize the situation in Gaza but also ease tensions along the northern border with Hezbollah. He suggested such a ceasefire would allow displaced Israelis near the Lebanese border to return to their homes, following the escalation of violence since October 8.

“Achieving an agreement is also a strategic opportunity that gives us a high chance to change the security situation on all fronts,” Gallant said in an address to Israeli troops during a military drill in northern Israel on Tuesday.

However, Gallant warned that Israel was preparing to shift its focus from Gaza to the northern front, signaling the possibility of a ground operation in Lebanon similar to its offensive in Gaza.

“The center of gravity is moving to the north, we are nearing the completion of our missions in the south, but we have a task here that has not been carried out, and this mission is to change the security situation and return the residents to their homes,” Gallant told reservists of the Oded Brigade.

Referring to the ground operation in Gaza, Gallant stated: “These instructions you are waiting for, I gave in the south and saw the forces at work., Such orders will come here as well and you should be prepared and ready to carry out this mission.”

“We are finishing training the entire order of battle for a ground operation [in Lebanon], in all its aspects.”

Gallant described the current situation as a “strategic junction,” where Israel faces the option of reaching an agreement with its adversaries or potentially engaging in a broader conflict that could involve Hezbollah and Iran. While he expressed a preference for diplomacy, Gallant made it clear that Israel was prepared for all possible outcomes.

“We are capable of defending ourselves and we can also retaliate if necessary. We have the ability to hit any strategic goal in Iran.”

Concerning Gaza, Gallant emphasized that Hamas is no longer an organized military force after Israel's sustained 11-month military campaign, which was launched in response to Hamas’ October 7 massacre.

“Hamas as a military formation no longer exists. Hamas is engaged in guerrilla warfare and we are still fighting Hamas terrorists and pursuing Hamas leadership,” Gallant said, while cautioning that the opportunity to reach a temporary ceasefire deal with the Palestinian militant group was narrowing. He also noted that such a deal could help calm the volatile northern border with Hezbollah.

Gallant outlined the framework of a potential truce that is being discussed, which would involve a six-week pause in hostilities, during which approximately 30 women, children, elderly, and ailing hostages held by Hamas would be released. Despite the possible breakthrough, Gallant refrained from committing to a permanent ceasefire, as demanded by Hamas, raising doubts about the long-term feasibility of such a deal.