Ultimatum for Israel’s Prime Minister
Benny Gantz: Netanyahu must present Gaza plan
May 18, 2024, 11:17 p.m
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The Israeli government is waging war against Hamas, but there is no consensus within the right-wing coalition about what should happen to the Gaza Strip afterward. Netanyahu’s rival Gantz is now giving the prime minister an ultimatum and proposing a six-point plan.
Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz has given Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a June 8 deadline for a post-war order in the Gaza Strip. If his expectations are not met, he will withdraw his centrist party from the emergency government, the war cabinet member announced on Saturday. It must be determined who could govern the Gaza Strip after the war against the radical Islamic Hamas. Gantz did not give a date for withdrawing from the alliance formed because of the war, which also includes opposition parties.
Gantz is thus increasing the pressure on Netanyahu; he is also his most promising political rival. Just on Wednesday, Defense Minister Joaw Gallant called for clarity about plans after the war and asked Netanyahu to rule out a permanent military occupation of the Gaza Strip. If Netanyahu agrees to withdraw from the Palestinian territory, his right-wing extremist coalition partners will threaten to break the alliance. They demand the annexation and settlement of the Gaza Strip.
“Minority has taken control”
“Personal and political considerations have begun to penetrate the inner sanctum of Israel’s national security,” Gantz said. “A small minority has taken the helm of the Israeli ship and is steering it towards the rocky reef.” He also alluded to corruption investigations against Netanyahu, which are suspended because of his office as head of government.
Gantz is calling for a six-point plan that, among other things, provides for temporary administration of the Gaza Strip by the USA, Europe, Arab states and Palestinians. But Israel should retain control over security. Gantz also calls for conscription to be extended to ultra-Orthodox Jews, who are currently exempt from it. However, two of Netanyahu’s coalition partners insist on maintaining the exceptions.