The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation quoted Defense Minister Yoav Galant as stressing the importance of transferring tax funds to the Palestinian Authority to ensure “stability and calm” in the West Bank to avoid distracting his forces from the battle in Gaza.

Gallant added on Wednesday evening that the current war “will not be easy and short,” stressing that Israel will be victorious at the end of it, according to what the Arab World News Agency reported.

He explained that fierce battles are taking place inside the Gaza Strip.