Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s three-member War Cabinet, has issued a threat to resign from the government if a new plan for the war in Gaza is not adopted within three weeks. The ultimatum puts pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and could potentially shift the balance of power within the government.
Gantz has outlined a six-point plan that includes objectives such as the return of hostages, the end of Hamas’ rule, demilitarization of Gaza, and the establishment of an international administration for civilian affairs. Additionally, the plan aims to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia. Failure to adopt this plan by June 8 would lead to Gantz’s resignation from the government.
If Gantz follows through on his threat to resign, Netanyahu would become more reliant on his far-right allies who have taken a hard line on negotiations regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The departure of Gantz, a popular politician and former military chief of staff, could significantly weaken Netanyahu’s coalition.
Netanyahu is facing growing pressure from hard-liners in his government who advocate for a continued military offensive in Gaza with the goal of crushing Hamas. However, the U.S. and other allies have raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and warned against escalating the conflict further.
The U.S. national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia and Israel to discuss the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu has emphasized that Israel is prepared to “stand alone” if necessary, highlighting the complexities of international relations in the region.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire through mediation by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt have yielded limited results. The continued violence and hostage situation have created a sense of urgency for finding a resolution to the conflict.
The war in Gaza has taken a heavy toll on the civilian population, with thousands of Palestinians killed and many more displaced. The discovery of hostages’ bodies has added to the sense of despair and urgency for a peaceful resolution.
Benny Gantz’s ultimatum to resign from the Israeli government if a new plan for Gaza is not adopted highlights the deep political divide within the country’s leadership. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has put pressure on Netanyahu’s government and raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of the violence. International involvement and mediation efforts are crucial in finding a path towards a ceasefire and addressing the root causes of the conflict.
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