Gallant: Israel in the “Mowing the Grass” Phase in the West Bank, “Root Removal” to Follow
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described the ongoing military assault by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank as the “mowing the grass” phase, signaling a brutal escalation in the campaign against Palestinian cities and refugee camps. Gallant’s remarks, made during an assessment of the situation in the northern West Bank on Wednesday, revealed underlying fears among Israeli soldiers, leading to increased reliance on airstrikes.
Gallant stated, “In reality, when we mow the grass, the moment will come when we need to uproot the roots, and this must be done.” He admitted that airstrikes are being utilized extensively to minimize risks to Israeli soldiers, saying, “We use airstrikes wherever necessary to avoid risking the lives of our soldiers. There is no other solution, and we must use all necessary force.”
In his statement, Gallant emphasized the ongoing military strategy, represented in “deploying all forces, everyone we need, with full strength.”
Since August 28th, Israeli forces have intensified their military aggression in the occupied West Bank under the operation named “Summer Camps,” targeting cities such as Jenin, Tubas, and Tulkarm in the northern West Bank. The operation has left the once-bustling streets of Jenin and Tulkarm in ruins.
The Ministry of Health reported that 33 Palestinians have been killed in just one week of the assault, with more than 140 others injured. The attacks has escalated dramatically since October 7th, with Israeli military forces and settlers killing at least 661 Palestinians across the West Bank during this period, according to the Ministry of Health.
The ongoing military operations have sparked widespread fear and devastation among Palestinian communities, as Israel continues its aggressive campaign, signaling that the worst may be yet to come with Gallant’s mention of an impending “root removal” phase, which may refer to actions of ethnic cleansing.
