According to reports in Israeli media, Gallant told the families that he and IDF head Herzi Halevi were both sceptical of claims that there were security or diplomatic justifications for leaving troops in the Strip.

“I can tell you what there was not: security considerations. I and the IDF chief said there was no security reason for remaining in the Philadelphi corridor,” he was quoted saying by Channel 12.

“Netanyahu said that it was a diplomatic consideration; I’m telling you there was no diplomatic consideration,” he added, according to the report.

“There’s nothing left in Gaza to do. The major achievements have been achieved,” he’s quoted saying.

“I fear we are staying there just because there is a desire to be there.”

He also said the idea that Israel must remain in Gaza to create stability was “an inappropriate idea to risk soldiers’ lives over,” reports say.

Under the stewardship of Gallant and Halevi, the Israeli army carried out a genocidal war against 2.3 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli airstrikes and ground assaults have destroyed most homes and infrastructure and killed and wounded 150,000, mostly women and children, in the strip. The deadly Israeli blockade on Gaza has starved most of the population since 7 October 2023.

Moreover, Gallant and Halevi have led the bombing of Lebanon for more than 13 months, killing more than 3,100 and wounding more than 14,000.

Israeli media had previously reported that Gallant favoured reaching a ceasefire deal with Hamas to release remaining captives in the strip, earning the ire of PM Netanyahu, who wants to continue the war indefinitely to achieve broader Zionist goals.