Gallant Accepts Responsibility for Failure to Prevent Hamas Attack: We Will Be Precise and Lethal

Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, stated that he takes responsibility for the failure to prevent the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7. According to the Times of Israel, Gallant told reporters at a military base near the Gaza border, "I am responsible for the defense establishment" and added, "I have been responsible for it over the past two weeks, even during difficult events, and I am responsible for bringing it to victory in battle." Gallant continued, "We will be precise and lethal, and we will continue until we complete the mission." This comes as the latest round of Israeli operations, which began on the evening of October 18 in the West Bank, has led to severe clashes. During these confrontations, Israeli forces shot at Palestinians, who responded by throwing stones and Molotov cocktails. Following the Hamas militants' attack on Israel on October 15, Israel declared war on the destruction of the Hamas group, which is supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Dozens have been arrested in the Israeli operation in the West Bank; 63 were reported to be "linked to Hamas militants." Live blog: G7 foreign ministers welcome the ceasefire; all hostages should be released unconditionally. Tensions at the Lebanon-Israel border continue. An Israeli newspaper reported that Hamas used weapons made in North Korea.