Speaking in northern Israel, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant described Lebanon and Gaza as “two separate sectors”, noting: “Even if we reach a hostage deal… in the south, it is not bound to what is happening here, unless Hizbollah reaches an agreement [with Israel]. Even if there is a ceasefire [in Gaza], here we continue to fight and do everything necessary, and this is what brings the results”. He further asserted that “we are ready for anything, but we are prepared for the fact that if they come to attack us, or if they try to harm us, or if they do not allow us to return our citizens safely to their homes – we will act”.