Speaking at a televised press briefing on Wednesday, Gallant urged Netanyahu to make a decision and declare that Israel will not establish civilian or military control over the Gaza Strip, saying it would provide a governing alternative to the Islamist Palestinian resistance movement Hamas. will provide. Will do. The enclave's name should be changed "immediately," Netanyahu said.

Gallant said that, soon after the start of the Israeli conflict with Hamas in October last year, he had tried to promote plans for a new Palestinian administration unaffiliated with Hamas in cabinet meetings, Xinhua news agency reported. He "did not receive any response".

In response, Netanyahu said in a statement that "as long as Hamas remains, some other party will run Gaza, certainly not the Palestinian Authority". He did not discuss the issue of possible Israeli rule in the Palestinian territories.

Gallant's vocal criticism of the prime minister has drawn criticism from several cabinet members, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

But minister without portfolio Benny Gantz supported Gallant, saying the defense minister was "telling the truth – the responsibility of leadership is not to do the right thing for the country at any cost."