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Former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant has called for taking advantage of Iran’s current weakness to strike, saying that “Iran’s goal is without a goalkeeper, you can score a goal”. He said this in an interview with Nadav Perry’s podcast, which was published on 29 April 2025, Walla reports.
Gallant, who stepped down as defence minister in early 2025 after a high-profile disagreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stressed that Iran had realised Israel’s capabilities after the recent attack. “They realised that the IDF can reach anywhere,” he said. According to him, the time for a strike is limited: “It could be a few months or a year.”
Gallant also highlighted the difference in military power between Israel and the United States, noting that America is “50 times stronger and 10 times closer because of the aircraft carriers”. When asked what Israel would do if the US refused to participate in a military operation, he replied: “We must ensure that Iran’s capabilities are destroyed.”
In addition, Gallant criticised the use of Qatar as an intermediary in the hostage negotiations, calling the country a “hostile state”. In his opinion, the negotiations should be led by Egypt, as Hamas is “more interested in Qatar’s positive potential”. “It’s a mistake to negotiate through Qatar,” he stressed.
Gallant also commented on the reasons for his resignation from the government, pointing to three key issues: the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the army, the military administration in Gaza, and the return of hostages. According to him, in private conversations with Netanyahu, the prime minister understood his position, but the situation changed when ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich joined the discussions. “When they entered the game, it was a completely different scenario,” Galant explained.
Regarding conscription, Galant stressed the need to pass a law. “Even if conscription is extended to three years, reservists will still have to serve 100 days a year,” he said.
Gallant’s statement caused a wide response, as it reflects the tense situation in the region and the internal political challenges in Israel.
Source: Walla
