During a visit to the U.S., former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant attended the Conference of Emissaries at Chabad’s global headquarters, 770, in New York. In a conversation with Chabad emissaries from around the world, Gallant offered his perspective on the war’s achievements.
“Blessings to all the emissaries here, great job. This is my first time in New York, Brooklyn, and 770 after the harsh war forced upon us. I want to tell you that this war brought us unprecedented achievements thanks to two things: the actions of IDF soldiers and the miracle of God,” Gallant said.
Interrupted repeatedly by applause, Gallant continued, “This victory is not to be taken for granted. We began this battle on Simchat Torah, one of the toughest days for the Jewish people, the hardest since the Holocaust. Our enemies thought they would defeat us—we saw this in documents and computer files found in Gaza.”
The former minister added: “Thirteen months later, Hamas is a dismantled organization. We have struck them blow after blow. They are gone—Sinwar, Haniyeh—eliminated.”
Regarding the North, Gallant said:
“Remember the threats from Nasrallah and others? We came down on them like a mighty flood and struck them. None of this could have happened without the faith of the Jewish people, the support of Jews worldwide, their prayers, and the immense efforts, fighting spirit, and sacrifice of IDF soldiers. Our soldiers deserve every blessing and every accolade.”
“I want to tell you,” Gallant declared, “even as I led this campaign, I knew I was doing it on behalf of the people of Israel, the State of Israel, but also as an emissary of the Lord of Hosts. This is its meaning. We are Jews, and we do this in the name of the Torah of Israel.” Gallant also thanked the Chabad emissaries for their role during the war: “We see you at every point where soldiers go to battle and everywhere across the globe—you are like an additional Foreign Ministry for the State of Israel.”
Chabad’s International Conference of Emissaries
The annual conference takes place at the beginning of the Hebrew month of Kislev at Chabad’s headquarters on Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York. It gathers approximately 6,000 Chabad emissaries from around the world to participate in professional workshops, share their mission experiences, and renew their strength to continue their global outreach.
Gallant’s Flight: The First After ICC Arrest Warrants
Last Sunday, former Defense Minister Gallant flew to Washington for meetings with senior officials at the White House and U.S. State Department. He was initially scheduled to fly in early October to prepare for a potential ballistic missile attack from Iran, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prohibited the trip and eventually dismissed Gallant.
This is also Gallant’s first trip since the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued arrest warrants against him and Netanyahu. The White House, however, stated that the U.S. “rejects the decision outright.”
