Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s war cabinet, has issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatening to leave the government if a plan for the future of the war in Gaza is not developed soon. This move could further strain the fragile coalition government and make Netanyahu more reliant on his hard-line partners.
Gantz, the leader of the National Unity party, gave Netanyahu until June 8 to come up with a plan that addresses key issues such as securing the release of hostages taken by Hamas-led militants, future governance of Gaza, and normalization with Saudi Arabia. The pressure on Netanyahu to develop a postwar plan has been mounting, with both internal and external sources calling for clarity on the strategy for Gaza.
In response to Gantz’s ultimatum, Netanyahu accused him of calling for “Israeli defeat” by allowing Hamas to remain in power. The domestic frustration is also growing over the failure to secure the release of hostages in Gaza, with fears rising about the fate of those still held captive.
As the war in Gaza enters its eighth month, the situation remains dire with thousands of casualties and slow progress in achieving the government’s goals of dismantling Hamas. Negotiations for a ceasefire have stalled, and Israeli forces continue to combat a renewed Hamas insurgency in northern Gaza.
Gantz’s call for a plan for Gaza’s future governance aligns with the U.S. officials’ stance, emphasizing the need for a clear strategy. However, disagreements persist over the role of the Palestinian Authority in governing Gaza, with Netanyahu and his allies rejecting the idea.
The discovery of dead hostages and a resurgence of Hamas fighting have underscored the failures of Netanyahu’s current strategy. The flow of aid to Gaza has dwindled, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with displaced families struggling to find shelter and basic necessities.
As the deadline approaches for Netanyahu to present a plan for Gaza’s future, the political tensions within the Israeli government are escalating. The outcome of this ultimatum could have significant implications for the future of the war in Gaza and the stability of the coalition government.
