Crisis in the Israeli government: War Cabinet member Gantz issues ultimatum to Netanyahu

In Israel,War Cabinet member Benny Gantzcriticized Netanyahu'sstance on the Gaza attacks during a press conference.

Addressing Netanyahu, Gantz stated, "the return of Israeli hostages," "the overthrow of Hamas rule in Gaza and its demilitarization," "the establishment of a joint US, European, Arab, and Palestinian administration in Gaza," and "the return of evacuated Israelis in the north to their homes." and "supporting normalization with Saudi Arabia" demands.

Gantz stated that if a plan regarding the administration of Gaza following the Israeli attacks is not approved by June 8, the National Unity Party, which he leads, will withdraw from the government.

Gantz had previously expressed his support for Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who challenged Netanyahu regarding the administration of Gaza.

RESPONSE FROM NETANYAHU: THE CONDITIONS MEAN DEFEAT

According to a written statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu responded to Gantz's statement in which he threatened to withdraw from the government.

Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the conditions put forward by Gantz would mean the end of Israel's attacks in Gaza, Israel's defeat, the abandonment of most of the hostages, and He argued that it would mean "Hamas remaining intact and the establishment of a Palestinian State." he asserted.

GALLANT AND NETANYAHU CLASH

During a press conference in Tel Aviv on May 15, Gallant stated that they had long been saying it was necessary to work toward finding an alternative administration to Hamas in Gaza, but that they had received no response.

Gallant said, "The army's plan was not opened for discussion, and worse, no alternative was put in its place. A military-civilian regime in Gaza is a bad and dangerous alternative for Israel." he added.

Stating that he would not accept the establishment of a military administration in Gaza, Gallant called on Netanyahu to make a decision on the matter, to declare that there would be no Israeli civil-military regime in the Gaza Strip, and to promote an alternative administration to Hamas.

In a video shared on his X account, Netanyahu responded to Gallant's criticisms by stating, "As long as Hamas exists, no other actor will be able to govern Gaza, certainly not the Palestinian Authority."

Arguing that discussions about the "day after" are "meaningless" until Hamas is defeated, Netanyahu claimed, "Until it becomes clear that Hamas is not militarily governing Gaza, no actor will be willing to accept the civil administration of Gaza alone for fear of their own security."

News Source: 12punto