Gallant says wanted to attack Lebanon on Oct. 11 but advises against it now

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Monday that he had wanted to attack Lebanon as early as October 11, 2023.

"The cabinet did not approve that and I do not recommend it now. War is an adventure," Gallant reportedly added, during closed-door discussions with parliament’s foreign affairs and security committee.

"We do not want to attack Iran, but if it attacks, it will pay a price," he added.

"The threats from Tehran and Beirut may materialize and it is important to urge everyone that preparedness, readiness, and alertness are not synonyms for fear and panic," he said, according to a public statement released by his office.

"We are alert. In recent days, we have been devoting our time to both strengthening defense and creating offensive options in response," he added.

Gallant also said that he supports a possible truce deal with Hamas to secure the release of the Israeli captives, even if it will be in stages.

"It is our duty as decision-makers to strive to bring about the operational achievement and … to create the conditions in order to return the abductees,” Gallant added, noting that “the creation of the conditions comes through the creation of military pressure.”

During the closed discussion, he added: "Even if we leave the Philadelphi Corridor for six weeks, nothing will happen. The reason that a deal is delayed is, among other things, because of Israel. There is the option of a deal that will bring order in the north and south and there is the option of escalating to a war. The security establishment and I support the first option and we will know how to live with the price."