In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli War Cabinet, has threatened to resign from the government if a new plan for addressing the situation in Gaza isn’t implemented within three weeks. This potential move could increase Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reliance on his far-right allies.
Gantz, a former Israeli defence minister, is urging the cabinet to devise a strategy for dealing with Hamas by June 8. He stresses that the plan should focus on eliminating Hamas, securing the release of hostages, establishing an alternative government in Gaza, relocating Israeli residents to northern Israel, and outlining a strategy for advancing normalization with Saudi Arabia.
Issuing an ultimatum, Gantz stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must decide between “victory and disaster.”
Shortly after Defence Minister Yoav Gallant publicly advocated for a post-war strategy, Gantz issued his ultimatum, marking his clearest stance yet against prolonged Israeli control over Gaza. He warned about the consequences of an extended Israeli military presence in Gaza and directly challenged Netanyahu.
Gantz defended Israel’s military actions in Rafah, highlighting its significance in countering Hamas’s resurgence. He stressed that for peace to be achieved between Israelis and Palestinians, Hamas cannot maintain its presence in Gaza and must be removed from Rafah.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has rejected Benny Gantz’s ultimatum to leave the government, arguing that his proposed timeline for devising a plan against Hamas would have adverse effects on Israel. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Office has raised concerns about Gantz’s position on dismantling Hamas forces, opposing the involvement of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, and rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state. They have emphasized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unwavering dedication to achieving all three goals.
