Israel PM, defence minister trade barbs over 'aim' of Gaza war, exposing govt rift

JERUSALEM: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu traded barbs with his defence minister Monday, underscoring the deep internal splits that continue to plague the govt as the war in Gaza risks spilling out into a wider regional conflict.

Following Israeli media reports quoting defence minister Yoav Gallant dismissing Netanyahu's war aim of total victory against Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza as "nonsense", Netanyahu's office put out a statement rebuking Gallant. "When Gallant adopts the anti-Israel narrative, he harms the chances of reaching a hostage deal," the statement said.

It said Israel's war aim remained "total victory", with the elimination of Hamas and the release of the remaining hostages seized by Hamas-led gunmen on Oct 7 last year. "This is the clear directive of PM Netanyahu and the security cabinet, and it obligates everyone - including Gallant," it said. The public reprimand of Gallant, who has repeatedly clashed with Netanyahu and the nationalist-religious parties in his coalition, was the latest episode of internal strife that has persisted since the govt took office in 2022.

Hamas armed wing says one Israeli hostage killed

The spokesperson for Hamas' armed al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Ubaida, said Monday that one Israeli hostage was killed by his guard and two other women captives were seriously wounded in two separate incidents in Gaza.


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