Gallant did not join news conference with Netanyahu in apparent dispute: Israeli media

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a news conference without his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, casting shadows of an apparent dispute between the two men.

Asked about the situation, Netanyahu said: "I suggested to the defense minister tonight to hold a joint press conference, and he decided what he decided," in reference to Gallant's absence.

In recent days, the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said there were differences between Netanyahu and top officials in the army about assessments and plans concerning the Israeli onslaught against Gaza.

Netanyahu, however, tried to downplay the issue by saying, "It's important that the public hear us."

He added that Israeli leadership is "working together" on the war against Gaza.

Netanyahu claimed at the news conference that the army hit 400 Hamas targets in the past 24 hours across the Gaza Strip and the war "ahead of us is long and difficult."

Early Friday, the Israeli army resumed its onslaught against Gaza as the belligerent parties failed to renew the humanitarian pause which lasted for seven days.

At least 193 Palestinians have been killed and 652 injured since Friday in Israeli airstrikes, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

More than 15,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women, have been killed in Israeli attacks since Oct. 7 following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas.

Around 1,200 Israelis have also been killed, according to official estimates.