Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a meeting on Thursday, stating his intention to expand the current war goals to ensure the return of evacuated northern residents to their homes.
"The task on the northern front is still ahead of us and is the safe return of residents [to the North]. In order to meet this goal, we must expand the goals of the war," Gallant said.
"I will bring the issue before the prime minister and the government cabinet," He added.
In response to Gallant's statement, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) released a statement shortly afterward stating that such a goal "goes without saying."
"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already stated this many times in recent months," the PMO added.
MK Benny Gantz wrote, "Better late than never. The time for the North has come," on his X/Twitter account in response to Gallant.
טוב מאוחר מלעולם לא.הגיע זמן צפון.
— בני גנץ - Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) August 29, 2024
Protecting citizens who are currently in the North
Additionally, on Thursday, Gallant approved the IDF's preparation plan for the start of the school year on September 1 in Israel's southern and northern settlements, he wrote in an X post.
As part of the plan, Gallant explained that the IDF would add to the northern and southern schools "protective measures, increase the presence of the forces, and hold a regular dialogue with the heads of the councils and the directors of the educational institutions."
קיימתי היום הערכת מצב מיוחדת לקראת פתיחת שנת הלימודים, יחד עם הרמטכ״ל רב - אלוף הרצי הלוי, מפקד פיקוד העורף האלוף רפי מילוא, בכירי צה״ל ומערכת הביטחון. אישרתי את תוכנית צה״ל להיערכות מקיפה לקראת פתיחת שנת הלימודים בראשון לספטמבר ביישובי הדרום והצפון. נוסיף אמצעי מיגון, נתגבר את… pic.twitter.com/WHNrJGr0rk
— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) August 29, 2024