DM Gallant: ‘Israel cannot be subdued' – no choice but to defend itself, ‘whatever the cost may be’

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant delivered a stark message about the ongoing war during a memorial ceremony for Israel’s fallen and victims of terrorism on Thursday.

He told the family members of the Ministry of Defense that the nation of Israel must continue its resilience and determination to secure a future against multiple threats.

"On October 7th, a war was launched against the State of Israel, unprovoked. This is a war on 7 different fronts. The IDF, the wider defense establishment, and the State of Israel have stood strong, yet the prices we pay are heavy," Gallant began, noting the multiple threats from Iranian proxies, in a reference to Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syrian forces in the north, Houthi militants from Yemen, the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, and others.

He also underscored the heavy impact the war has had on the State of Israel and its people.

Gallant reiterated Israel's resolve in the face of these challenges, saying: "We have no choice, we have no other country. We will do whatever is necessary, and I repeat - whatever is necessary, in order to defend the citizens of Israel, to remove the evil threats against us, and to stand up to those who attempt to destroy us."

During his speech, the defense minister affirmed the nation’s commitment to proactively defend itself against identified threats and directed his statement to Israel's adversaries and allies.

"I turn to Israel’s enemies, as well as to our best of friends, and say - the State of Israel cannot be subdued, not the IDF, not the defense establishment, and not the State of Israel. We will stand strong, we will achieve our goals - we will hit Hamas, we will hit Hezbollah, and we will achieve security,"

Gallant noted the historical significance of Holocaust Remembrance Day, which Israel observed on Monday while focusing on the theme of Israel's perseverance.

"Whatever the cost may be, we will ensure the existence of the State of Israel and remember the promise we made just a week ago during Holocaust Remembrance Day: ‘Never again.’ For me, this is not just a saying, it is an instruction manual," he stated.

The minister of defense noted the many personal losses that Israelis have suffered before and after Oct. 7 and extended his sympathies and support to the families affected by the conflict, promising to do everything possible to bring the Israeli hostages home back from captivity in Gaza.

"I extend an embrace to members of bereaved families and hold them close to my heart. My message to you – know that the sons and daughters who fell over the years and during this recent war, in their deaths, they gave life to the State of Israel," he said.

"With great hope, appreciation, and an endless embrace I will also say, we will do everything we can to bring the hostages home. We will wait, we will take advantage of every opportunity and make every effort..."

Gallant concluded his speech with a vow to continue with the government's objective, “to crush the Hamas terrorist organization,” and to uphold Israel's national integrity. 

“We will not forget what happened here on October 7th and after this day."