The defence minister made this statement hours after Netanyahu said Israel will “for an indefinite period … have the overall security responsibility” in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s comments raised concerns that Israel is planning to occupy the enclave after the war.
In his news conference, Gallant described Gaza City – the largest city in the besieged territory, home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians – as the “largest terrorist base ever built”.
He said there would not be a humanitarian pause without bringing back captives held by Hamas.
