Israeli war cabinet minister, Benny Gantz, has threatened to resign if
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not outline a post-war strategy
for the Gaza Strip by 8 June. The proposed plan includes ending Hamas
rule and establishing a multinational civilian administration in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict has intensified, with Israeli forces advancing into
areas previously declared clear of Hamas. Gantz proposed a
multinational administration to manage civilian affairs in Gaza while
preparing for a future alternative government. Israel could maintain
some “security control” during this period. The conflict has led to new
evacuation orders in parts of northern Gaza and air strikes in eastern
Rafah. The UN reports that approximately 800,000 Palestinians have fled
Rafah. President Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, is
expected to reiterate the Biden administration’s opposition to any
full-scale Israeli assault on Rafah without a plan to protect civilians.
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Israeli war cabinet minister, Benny Gantz, has issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatening to resign if a comprehensive post-war strategy for the Gaza Strip is not outlined by 8 June. Gantz's proposed plan includes six strategic objectives, such as ending Hamas rule in Gaza and establishing a multinational civilian administration.
Gantz warned that if the government prioritizes personal interests over national ones, he and his allies would be compelled to leave the government. Netanyahu, however, dismissed Gantz's remarks as defeatist.
The political divide is widening as the conflict intensifies in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces are advancing into Jabalia, near Gaza City, a historic refugee camp previously declared cleared of Hamas fighters.
Gantz's statement follows Defence Minister Yoav Gallant's call for Netanyahu to publicly confirm that Israel does not intend to assume civilian and military control in Gaza. Gallant and Gantz argue that maintaining military control in Gaza would heighten Israel's security risks.
In a televised address, Gantz urged Netanyahu to choose between unity and division, responsibility and lawlessness, victory and catastrophe. He also called for the return of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, the repatriation of displaced Palestinian civilians to northern Gaza by 1 September, and the continuation of efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu responded by stating that meeting Gantz's demands would result in the end of the war, a defeat for Israel, the abandonment of most hostages, the preservation of Hamas, and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The Israeli war cabinet was formed following a Hamas attack on Israeli communities near Gaza on 7 October, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and several hostages. The ongoing Israeli military campaign against Hamas in Gaza has reportedly killed 35,386 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Recent developments have seen the Israeli military re-enter areas of northern Gaza previously declared clear of Hamas, raising questions about the government's strategy for eliminating the group. The country's army chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, has reportedly urged Netanyahu to develop a "day after" strategy.
Gantz proposed a multinational administration, including American, European, Arab, and Palestinian representatives, to manage civilian affairs in Gaza while laying the groundwork for a future alternative government. He suggested that Israel could maintain a degree of "security control" in the interim.
As the conflict escalates, Israel has issued new evacuation orders for parts of northern Gaza following rocket attacks. Israel has also launched air strikes and raids on targets in eastern Rafah in southern Gaza.
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), reported that approximately 800,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah, seeking refuge in the devastated city of Khan Younis or along the coast.
President Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, is expected to arrive in Israel for talks with Netanyahu. Sullivan is anticipated to reiterate the Biden administration's opposition to any full-scale Israeli assault on Rafah without a plan to protect civilians.
