The Israeli unity government is facing a major rift after two offensives by Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip this weekend. Benny Gantz, a member of the war cabinet and a popular politician, has given an ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatening to resign if a comprehensive post-war plan for the Gaza Strip is not drawn up and approved by June 8.
Gantz, from the National Unity party, expressed at a press conference that he will withdraw from the government if a path that leads Israel to the abyss is chosen. The statements come amid Israeli offensives on Jabalya refugee camp and in Rafah, leading to the displacement of over 800,000 people and the closure of the Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt.
The division in the cabinet adds to already tense relations with the United States. The disagreement between Netanyahu and other government members over the war’s outcome presents a challenge for the prime minister. The American Assistant Secretary of State expressed disagreements with the “victory theory” of the Israeli government. Thousands of Israelis are protesting against the government and in favor of a ceasefire to free hostages held in Gaza.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also expressed differences with Netanyahu, requesting a plan for a Palestinian administration to govern Gaza with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries’ support. Netanyahu rejects any role for Palestinians in Gaza and opposes creating a Palestinian state. He criticizes Gantz’s conditions, stating they would lead Israel to defeat, abandon hostages, leave Hamas intact, and result in forming a Palestinian state. However, Netanyahu emphasizes that there should be an emergency government formed instead of focusing on political ideologies.
Gantz responded promptly by arguing that Netanyahu should engage in necessary efforts instead of sabotaging them. He emphasized that it was not necessary for Palestinians to govern Gaza but could be done so with support from other countries.
Gantz clarified that creating a Palestinian state was not demanded by Saudi Arabia but was part of negotiations with them.
In conclusion, if Netanyahu values unity government formation over extremists’ views he must make necessary decisions without hesitation.
