Israel does not intend to maintain a permanent military presence in Gaza Strip, said the minister today Defense Yoav Gallant. He also stressed that the Israeli government would not rule out engaging in consultations on which side would take control of the Palestinian enclave post-war, provided it did not involve any hostile to Israel.

Asked about the possibility of a new ceasefire agreement on the release of more hostages, the Israeli defense minister said: “I believe that if we increase military pressure, there will be offers for further hostage release deals. If they arise, we will examine them.” However, he repeated that “the war will end when the goals” set by Israel are achieved.

He mentioned that hundreds of Hamas members have surrendered in recent days to Israeli soldiers and have revealed “very interesting things” about the activities of the Palestinian Islamist movement.

Gallant also left open the possibility of negotiations with Lebanon’s pro-Iranian Hezbollah on a draft deal that would include a security zone along the border and come with guarantees.