Pressure mounts on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from within the War Cabinet and the US to create postwar strategies for Gaza amidst ongoing conflicts with Hamas. Political rival Benny Gantz sets ultimatum, proposing elimination of Hamas and international administration for civilian matters.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing significant pressure from within Israel’s War Cabinet and its key ally, the United States, to establish postwar plans for Gaza amid ongoing conflicts with Hamas. This pressure comes from Benny Gantz, a member of the War Cabinet and Netanyahu’s political rival, who threatened to leave the government by June 8 if a new war plan is not formulated. Gantz’s proposal includes the elimination of Hamas, establishing an international administration for Gaza’s civilian matters, and accelerating normalization with Saudi Arabia. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also called for a Palestinian-led administration in Gaza.
The U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is set to visit Israel to discuss these plans. Netanyahu has rejected involving the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and insists on local governance unaffiliated with it or Hamas. This issue has sparked domestic discontent, leading to increased protests.
Israeli security officials have expressed concerns over the current trajectory of the conflict, and the prolonged fighting has resulted in significant casualties, including over 35,000 Palestinians. The humanitarian crisis has intensified as aid deliveries are restricted. Meanwhile, ceasefire discussions mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt remain at a standstill.
