Israeli Defence Minister Informs Blinken of Plans to Intensify Operations in Gaza Strip

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant informed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during negotiations that plans are in place to escalate the intensity of combat operations by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the Gaza Strip, according to a report by the Times of Israel on Tuesday.

“Gallant emphasized that operations in the Khan Yunis area (in the southern enclave) will be intensified and will continue until Hamas leadership is discovered, and Israeli refugees return home,” the publication quoted in a statement.

During the meeting with the American diplomat, the Israeli Defence Minister also raised issues regarding regional tensions and “attacks carried out by Iran through its proxies.”

“Increased pressure on Iran is necessary to prevent escalation in the region,” Gallant told Blinken.

He highlighted that Israel's top priority now is ensuring the return of residents from the northern part of the country, where military operations against the Hezbollah group have recently intensified along the border with Lebanon.

Blinken is currently on an overseas tour from January 4 to 11.