JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Benny Gantz demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commit by June 8 to a plan detailing the post-war in the Gaza Strip, failing which his centrist party will leave the government emergency put in place since the start of the conflict against Hamas in October.
During a press conference, Benny Gantz demanded agreement on a six-point plan specifying in particular who will be responsible for governing the Palestinian enclave at the end of the war against Hamas, which has lasted for more than seven months.
He did not say when he would leave the emergency government in the event of no response, but his speech illustrates the internal tensions in this “war cabinet” that he forms with Benjamin Netanyahu and the Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant.
On Wednesday, the latter publicly questioned Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans for the post-war in Gaza and showed his opposition to a long-term Israeli military occupation of the enclave.
By giving in to their request, the Prime Minister would nevertheless take the risk of provoking the anger of the ultra-nationalist parties favorable to the annexation and recolonization of the Gaza Strip and of losing his narrow majority in the Knesset.
Before the war, Benjamin Netanyahu was unable to form a coalition cabinet with a sufficient number of centrist partners due to corruption charges against him, charges he rejects.
“Personal and political considerations have begun to penetrate the holy of holies of Israel’s national security,” Benny Gantz said on Saturday. “A small minority has seized the Israeli ship and is steering it towards the rocky shallows.”
The former Israeli defense minister proposed that the Gaza Strip be governed after the war by a temporary mixed civilian administration relying on the United States, Europeans, Arab countries and Palestinians while Israel would keep control over security issues.
His six-point plan would also establish fair military service for all Israelis – including ultra-Orthodox Jews, who today benefit from an exemption and can count on two small religious parties within the ruling coalition to preserve their interests.
(Written by Dan Williams, Jean-Stéphane Brosse for the French version)
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