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The devastating ambition of Israel's defense minister

The Devastating Ambition of Israel’s Defense Minister

In a sweeping exposé published by Le Monde, the ambitions of Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are laid bare, painting a portrait of a leader whose strategic vision is as bold as it is destructive. Gallant, a former general with a storied military career, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, steering Israel’s defense policies amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The article delves into how Gallant’s overarching goal—to solidify Israel’s security through aggressive expansion and preemptive strikes—has not only intensified conflicts but also risked isolating the nation on the global stage. Drawing on interviews with Israeli officials, Palestinian leaders, and international analysts, the piece argues that Gallant’s approach, while framed as essential for national survival, is wreaking havoc on civilian lives, regional stability, and the prospects for peace.

At the heart of Gallant’s ambition is a doctrine of “total security,” which extends beyond traditional defense to encompass territorial expansion and the neutralization of perceived threats. The article highlights his role in the ongoing military operations in Gaza, where Israeli forces have conducted what Gallant describes as “precision campaigns” against Hamas infrastructure. However, these operations have resulted in widespread devastation, with reports of thousands of civilian casualties and the displacement of entire communities. Le Monde cites United Nations data indicating that since the escalation in 2023, Gaza’s infrastructure has been decimated, with hospitals, schools, and residential areas reduced to rubble. Gallant’s public statements, such as his assertion that “Israel will not tolerate any threat on its borders,” underscore a policy of zero tolerance that critics argue borders on collective punishment.

The piece explores Gallant’s background to contextualize his worldview. Born in 1958 in Jaffa to Holocaust survivors, Gallant rose through the ranks of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), commanding elite units and participating in major operations like the 2006 Lebanon War. His transition to politics in 2015, joining the Kulanu party before aligning with Netanyahu’s Likud, positioned him as a hawkish voice advocating for stronger military responses to regional adversaries. As Defense Minister since 2022, Gallant has overseen a significant increase in defense spending, pushing for advanced technologies like the Iron Dome enhancements and AI-driven surveillance systems. Yet, the article contends that this militaristic focus comes at a steep human cost, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in occupied territories.

One of the most damning sections of the article examines Gallant’s stance on the West Bank settlements. He has been a vocal proponent of expanding Jewish settlements, viewing them as a buffer against Palestinian militancy. In recent months, Gallant has approved the construction of thousands of new housing units in areas deemed illegal under international law. This policy, the report notes, has led to increased demolitions of Palestinian homes and heightened clashes between settlers and local populations. Eyewitness accounts from Palestinian farmers describe routine harassment and land seizures, which Gallant justifies as necessary for “strategic depth.” International observers, including those from the European Union, have condemned these actions as violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention, warning that they undermine the two-state solution.

Le Monde also scrutinizes Gallant’s broader regional ambitions, particularly concerning Iran and its proxies. Gallant has repeatedly called for preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, framing Tehran as an existential threat. His rhetoric has escalated tensions, with Israel conducting covert operations in Syria and Lebanon to disrupt Hezbollah’s supply lines. The article quotes a senior Israeli intelligence official, speaking anonymously, who reveals that Gallant’s office has prepared contingency plans for a multi-front war, including scenarios involving simultaneous conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, and potentially Iran. This “devastating ambition,” as the headline suggests, risks drawing Israel into a prolonged regional quagmire, with potential spillover effects on global energy markets and migration patterns.

The human toll is a recurring theme throughout the piece. In Gaza, where Gallant’s policies have led to a blockade and repeated incursions, the article details stories of families torn apart by airstrikes. One poignant anecdote involves a doctor in Khan Younis who lost his clinic and home in a single raid, emblematic of the broader collapse of healthcare services. Similarly, in the West Bank, the expansion of settlements has displaced thousands, fueling a cycle of violence that includes settler attacks and Palestinian reprisals. Le Monde interviews a Palestinian Authority spokesperson who accuses Gallant of pursuing a “de facto annexation” that erodes any hope for negotiations.

Critics within Israel are not spared in the analysis. The article points to growing dissent from former military leaders and left-leaning politicians who argue that Gallant’s hardline stance is counterproductive. Figures like Benny Gantz, a political rival, have publicly criticized the defense minister for prioritizing short-term gains over long-term diplomacy. Moreover, the piece discusses the strain on Israel’s international alliances. The United States, a key ally, has expressed reservations about Gallant’s policies, with the Biden administration (and its successors) urging restraint to avoid alienating Arab partners normalized through the Abraham Accords. European nations, including France, have gone further, imposing sanctions on settler organizations and calling for accountability at the International Criminal Court.

Economically, Gallant’s ambitions are portrayed as a double-edged sword. While bolstering the defense industry has created jobs and technological innovations, the ongoing conflicts have deterred foreign investment and tourism. The article cites economic forecasts predicting a slowdown in Israel’s GDP growth due to heightened security expenditures and international boycotts. Socially, within Israel, there’s a divide: supporters hail Gallant as a guardian of Jewish sovereignty, while opponents decry the erosion of democratic values, pointing to increased military censorship and suppression of protests.

Looking ahead, Le Monde speculates on the long-term implications of Gallant’s vision. If unchecked, his policies could lead to a permanent state of conflict, isolating Israel diplomatically and fostering a new generation of radicals. The article draws parallels to historical figures like Ariel Sharon, whose aggressive tactics ultimately led to disengagement from Gaza, suggesting that Gallant might face a similar reckoning. However, with Netanyahu’s coalition relying on far-right elements, change seems unlikely in the near term.

In conclusion, the piece portrays Gallant not as a villain but as a product of Israel’s security dilemmas, whose ambitions, while rooted in legitimate fears, have devastating consequences. It calls for international pressure to rein in such policies, advocating for renewed dialogue and humanitarian aid. Through meticulous reporting and balanced perspectives, Le Monde underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in Israeli defense strategy to avert further catastrophe. This ambitious yet perilous path, the article warns, could redefine the Middle East for decades, with ripple effects felt far beyond the region’s borders.

(Word count: 1,028)

Read the Full Le Monde.fr Article at:
[ https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/07/27/the-devastating-ambition-of-israel-s-defense-minister_6743774_4.html ]