Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant confirmed today, Monday, that the current war on Lebanon would be an adventure, stressing that Israel has strengthened its defenses in recent days.

Galant presented members of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee with a security review of the course of the war, efforts to return prisoners, and the operational need to recruit more residents to serve in the IDF.

Galant said Israel is at a crossroads: either a settlement and an exchange deal, or escalation. My position with the security services is to move towards a settlement and an exchange deal.

"Our duty is to create the conditions for the return of the kidnapped. Creating the conditions comes through creating military pressure, and this can be followed by a deal that brings the kidnapped, even if it is not all at once but in stages," he said.

The Ynet website reported that Likud MKs attacked Galant, asking him why Israel is not going to war in Lebanon. He replied, "The circumstances of the war in Lebanon today are the opposite of what they were at the beginning of the war. I hear all the heroes beating the drums and talking about absolute victory...they are just chattering."

He said: "On October 11, I wanted to attack Lebanon, but the cabinet did not approve the request, and now I do not recommend doing so."

"Ynet" pointed out that MK Tali Gottlieb addressed Galant, saying: "You are not prepared to talk nonsense about the Prime Minister's words," to which Galant replied: "I am prepared to face the facts and actions... I know what I am saying, this war will be an adventure."

"We have strengthened our defenses in recent days following threats from Iran and Hezbollah to attack Israel, and we will confront and respond to any attack anywhere to protect Israel's security," Galant said.