Gallant: Israeli army close to completing Gaza mission, to focus on north front

The Israeli military is close to completing its mission in the Gaza Strip and the focus is moving to Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said.

"The centre of gravity is moving northward, we are near to completing our tasks in the south, but our mission here is not yet done," Gallant told troops on Israel's northern border, according to Israeli newspaper Haartez.

"This mission is to change the security situation and return the residents [of northern Israel] to their homes."

Responding to troops who said not enough has been done on the northern border, Gallant said "Be ready, this is not similar to other [situations]."

Gallant delivered his remarks at the end of an exercise simulating ground combat in Lebanon.