IDF has killed 60% of Hamas terrorists in Gaza, Gallant tells Knesset

Speaking at the Knesset, he also said that Israel had broken up the majority of the 24 battalions that Hamas's military wing had at the start of the war.

 Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks during an session in the plenum hall of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, July 10, 2024 (photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks during an session in the plenum hall of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, July 10, 2024
(photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday that 60% of Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip have been killed or wounded as a result of Israel's operation in Gaza.

Speaking at the Knesset, he also said that Israel had broken up the majority of the 24 battalions that Hamas's military wing had at the start of the war.

'IDF has killed 14,000 terrorists'

"The action of the IDF that has so far led to the elimination of over 14,000 terrorists and the collapse of the military frameworks of Hamas is, in fact, the testimony of what I am saying - everything will be done in accordance with the law and in accordance with the operational need."

According to KAN news, Gallant also stated that "international legitimacy" was a significant condition for the continuation of the operation.

Gallant also said on Wednesday that draft notices would be delivered in the next few weeks to some ultra-Orthodox Jews who had previously been exempt from serving in the Israeli military.

 IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip. July 10, 2024. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip. July 10, 2024. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Israel's Supreme Court ruled last month that the defense ministry must end the longstanding exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service.

Speaking in the Israeli parliament, Gallant said the plan was to send out thousands of draft notices, though not all given such notices would end up serving.

The fractious coalition government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relies on two ultra-Orthodox parties who oppose the end of the exemption. However, the IDF says they need more recruits to keep Israel safe and sustain the war against the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza.