Israel’s wartime cabinet member Benny Gantz threatened in a speech on Saturday evening that if the government does not pass a new post-Gaza war plan within three weeks, he will resign from his government position.
Gantz outlined a six-point plan, which includes the return of hostages, the end of Hamas’s rule, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of an international civilian administration under cooperation with the United States, Europe, the Arab world, and Palestinians. The plan also supports efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia and expand military service to all Israelis.
Gantz warned that if a clear action plan is not formulated by June 8, he will have his centrist party leave the government and return to the opposition.
His remarks were met with condemnation from right-wing alliance members, with some demanding that he immediately leave the government.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement through his office, accusing Gantz of choosing to issue a “final ultimatum to the Prime Minister rather than to Hamas,” and stating that Gantz’s conditions imply “Israel’s failure.”
Gantz, who walks a centrist path, has been a long-time political rival of Netanyahu. He joined Netanyahu’s alliance and war cabinet at the beginning of the war to show national unity.
A few days ago, Israeli Defense Minister and third member of the wartime cabinet Yoav Gallant also made similar calls, urging Netanyahu to formulate a post-war plan for Gaza as the lack of planning is eroding the gains of the war and jeopardizing Israel’s long-term security.
The war has been ongoing for seven months, but Israel has yet to achieve its goals of dismantling Hamas and returning over 100 hostages taken in an attack on October 7.
Netanyahu is facing increasing domestic and international pressure. Hardliners are pushing for a military attack on the southernmost city of Rafah in Gaza. Major allies like the United States have warned against launching an offensive in that area.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will visit Saudi Arabia and Israel this weekend to discuss the war, and is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on Sunday.
Netanyahu has stated that Israel will maintain security control over Gaza indefinitely and cooperate with local Palestinians who are not affiliated with Hamas or the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. However, Netanyahu emphasized that a plan for such a post-war power structure cannot be devised until Hamas is defeated.
(This article references reporting from the Associated Press)