Israeli Defense Minister After Security Council Vote: We Have No Moral Justification to Stop the War

Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister currently on an official trip to the United States, stated that Israel has "no moral justification to stop the war in Gaza until we bring all hostages back home." His remarks were released by his office on Monday ahead of his meeting with Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, and Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State, shortly after the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The Security Council's vote was approved after the U.S. refrained from vetoing it. According to the Times of Israel, Gallant said, "In the first meeting, I will clarify to Jake Sullivan the importance of dismantling the Hamas regime and returning the hostages to their homes." He added, "We will act against Hamas everywhere, even in areas we have not yet entered." Gallant stated that Israel would create a replacement for Hamas so that the Israeli army could complete its mission. The Israeli Defense Minister mentioned that if his country does not achieve a clear and absolute victory in Gaza against Hamas, they will continue the war until the last hostage is returned home. The occurrence of war in the north is increasing. Israel Katz, the Israeli Foreign Minister, also reacted to the Security Council vote, stating on the platform 'X': "We will destroy Hamas and continue the war until the last hostage is returned home." The White House described the cancellation of the Israeli delegation's trip to Washington as "very disappointing." The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza.