- Gantz threatens to resign over Gaza conflict plan
- His resignation would increase Netanyahu’s far-right reliance
- Conflict ongoing; Gaza demilitarization and hostages remain issues
The resignation of Mr. Gantz would further increase the dependence of Mr. Netanyahu on far-right allies who have adopted an inflexible stance regarding ceasefire negotiations and the liberation of hostages.
A constituent of Israel’s three-person war cabinet has issued a resignation threat if the government fails to implement an alternative strategy for the Gaza conflict.
Benny Gantz’s action further exacerbates a rift within the leadership of Israel over seven months into the conflict.
Israel has yet to achieve the stated objectives of Hamas dismantlement and the return of dozens of detainees that were taken during the October 7 attack.
Mr. Gantz, a longtime political adversary of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has now outlined a six-point plan that includes the demilitarization of Gaza, the return of hostages, and the cessation of Hamas’ rule.
Additionally, Mr. Gantz’s strategy aids in normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia.
He stated that if it is not adopted by June 8, he will resign from the government.
Mr. Netanyahu’s departure would further increase the pressure from far-right allies, whose stance on armistice and hostage negotiations has become rigid and who advocate for Israel’s occupation of Gaza to reconstruct Jewish settlements in that region.
Mr. Gantz has stated that we will be compelled to resign from office if you steer the nation towards the abyss in the direction of extremists.
Early in the conflict, the centrist politician joined Mr. Netanyahu’s coalition and the war cabinet.
Mr. Gantz’s six-point plan was unveiled days after the third member of the Israeli war cabinet, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, stated publicly that he has repeatedly pleaded with the other two members to reach an agreement on a postwar vision for Gaza.
According to Mr. Gallant, this necessitates establishing fresh civilian leadership in Palestine.
This occurs as pressure on Mr. Netanyahu increases on numerous fronts.
His government’s hardliners desire that the military offensive targeting Rafah, the southernmost city of Gaza, continue to destroy Hamas.
Nevertheless, the United States, a primary ally of Israel, along with other nations, has cautioned against the assault on a city that provided sanctuary to over half of the 2.3 million inhabitants of Gaza.
Rafah is currently beset by hundreds of thousands of refugees, and Israel’s allies have threatened to reduce aid in response to the humanitarian crisis.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will travel to Israel and Saudi Arabia this weekend to discuss the conflict. On Sunday, Sullivan is scheduled to meet with Mr. Netanyahu, who has stated that Israel would “stand-alone” in an emergency.
In the interim, numerous Israelis allege that Mr. Netanyahu prioritizes his political ambitions above all else. In addition, they desire that he reach an agreement to release the hostages and end the combat.
The military’s announcement on Friday that its personnel in Gaza had discovered the remains of three hostages murdered by Hamas in the October 7 attack sparked renewed discontent.
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On Saturday, it was reported that the remains of a fourth hostage had been discovered.
Qatar, the United States, and Egypt facilitated the most recent ceasefire negotiations, which have yielded minimal advancements.
Furthermore, the future of Gaza beyond the conflict remains ambiguous.
The hostilities commenced on October 7, when Hamas militants launched an assault on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the capture of approximately 250 others.
Israel estimates that there are still around one hundred detainees in Gaza, in addition to the remains of thirty others.
Local health officials report that the Israeli offensive has claimed the lives of over 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza and hundreds more in the occupied West Bank.
