The Israeli government faces significant turmoil as members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet threaten to resign. The internal conflict comes amidst ongoing war efforts in Gaza following a terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. Despite initial political unity, tensions have escalated over the lack of a clear postwar strategy for Gaza.

On Saturday evening, Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Netanyahu’s cabinet and a prominent rival, issued an ultimatum. Gantz threatened to leave the government by June 8 if a detailed plan is not presented. He advocates for an administration involving international, Arab, and Palestinian elements to govern Gaza.

Gantz is supported by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who also opposes Israeli self-governance of Gaza and insists on a Palestinian-led administration. Netanyahu, however, refutes these positions, arguing that involving the Palestinian Authority or similar plans would embolden Hamas and compromise Israeli security.

U.S. pressure adds to the domestic tensions, as the Biden administration calls for a concrete postwar governance plan for Gaza, promoting Palestinian statehood, which Netanyahu and his allies strongly oppose. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with significant civilian displacement and hindered aid delivery.

The discovery of the bodies of Israeli hostages in Gaza, including Ron Benjamin, further highlights the crisis’s severity. The lack of resolution and strategic direction heightens dissatisfaction within Netanyahu’s coalition, a scenario that accentuates the existing political instability in Israel.