Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tonight announced action “on all fronts” to restore security in his country amid a dangerous escalation of violence in the Middle East.

“We will not allow Hamas terrorists to settle in Lebanon,” Netanyahu stressed, after the Israeli military accused the Palestinian movement of being behind Thursday’s firing of dozens of rockets into northern Israel.

Netanyahu also announced that he would keep Defense Minister Yoav Gallad in place, reversing a decision to fire him that had sparked strong backlash and protests. He said he considered the issue, which arose after the defense minister’s public appeal last month to suspend the controversial reform of the judicial system, to be over.

Days after he decided to delay Gallant’s ouster, Netanyahu said at a press conference today: “I have decided to put our differences behind us.” He added that the two had worked closely together over the past fortnight.

A poll conducted on behalf of the Israeli TV network Channel 13 showed that if elections were held today, Netanyahu’s Likud party would lose 1/3 of its seats and the governing coalition with ultra-nationalist-far-right parties would not secure a majority in the Knesset.

“I am not bothered by the poll,” commented the Israeli prime minister tonight.

Referring to Israel’s relations with the United States, which have been strained by his administration’s reform of the judicial system, Netanyahu said relations between the two countries remain “close” and that their governments cooperate on security issues.

Israel’s prime minister has suspended the process of approving an overhaul of the judiciary in order to hold consultations with opposition parties, following weeks of protests across the country.