Political conflicts intensify in Israel, posing potential risks for Netanyahu.
The simmering tension from the ongoing conflict has reached a boiling point, potentially entering a new phase with a series of ultimatums made public, including one from a member of the war cabinet.
Over the weekend, Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity Party, who joined the war cabinet following Hamas' attack in October, demanded by June 8 a six-point plan to be adopted. The plan would achieve the return of Israeli hostages, the demobilization of Hamas, and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, it would lead to the establishment of an alternative government for Gaza, consisting of an "American-European-Arab-Palestinian administration", paving the way for a future that is not affiliated with Hamas or Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority. This plan also guarantees the safe return of evacuees from attacks by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia in Lebanon, and enforces the drafting of ultra-orthodox Jews into the military.
Gantz took a dig at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with his statement, insinuating that "personal and political considerations have begun to penetrate into the holy of holies of Israel’s security."
"If you choose to lead the nation into the abyss, we will withdraw from the government, turn to the people, and form a government that can bring about a real victory," Gantz stated. He further emphasized, "Unity cannot be a fig leaf for stagnation in the management of the campaign."
Soon after, accusations flew like arrows, exposing the cracks in Israeli politics and the power struggles within the cabinet. The Prime Minister's Office reacted swiftly, branding Gantz's conditions as "washed-up words" meaning "the end of the war and a defeat for Israel, the abandonment of most of the hostages, leaving Hamas intact, and the establishment of a Palestinian state."
One far-right cabinet minister, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, criticized Gantz as "a small leader and big trickster", claiming Gantz has tried to dismantle the government from the start. He scolded Gantz for promoting a draft law for conscription while attempting to dissolve the government.
From a distinct perspective, opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Gantz to take immediate action. "Enough with the press conferences, enough with the empty ultimatums, get out! Had you not been in the government, we would be past the Netanyahu and Ben Gvir era already," he remarked forcefully.
Amid this discord, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant recently articulated thoughts that decisions should have been made at the beginning of the war. Additionally, he expressed discomfort with the notion of Israeli military rule in Gaza and rejected the idea of establishing civilian governance in Gaza.
It's becoming increasingly tense with troops still battling in Gaza, unclear of their mission's end or a plan for the next day, post-war. Gantz himself mentioned this, implying that while soldiers demonstrate incredible bravery, others show cowardice and reckless behavior.
Israeli commentators on Sunday reported that the idea of unity within the cabinet, once presented as a shield during the war's early phases, has now shattered. According to the Jerusalem Post, Gantz's accusations against the Prime Minister marked the first instance of him accusing the Prime Minister of prioritizing his political survival over national interests. Additionally, Gantz set a clear deadline for his continued stay in the government.
Haaretz columnist Anshel Pfeffer pointed out that after a week of tumultuous politics, "two of the three war cabinet members have now publicly accused the third member, Netanyahu, of not having a strategy for a war that has been ongoing for seven and a half months."
There are, however, speculations that the unchanged state of affairs may continue, as Netanyahu sees Gantz and Gallant's presence in the three-member war cabinet as insulation from the more radical members of the larger cabinet. Some of them desire total rebuilding of settlements in Gaza and a more aggressive approach towards northern territories. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, for example, suggested invading Gaza after the destruction of Hamas and establishing a security zone in southern Lebanon should Hezbollah rocket attacks persist.
On Saturday, Gantz directly confronted Netanyahu, expressing, "I look into your eyes tonight and tell you - the choice is in your hands."
Over the following three weeks, a negotiated settlement could potentially prevent the war cabinet from collapsing. Gantz, who is not a member of the larger coalition government, wouldn't trigger the downfall of Netanyahu's administration even if he decides to withdraw from the war cabinet.
Nevertheless, his absence would make it more difficult for the prime minister to resist the demands of his right-wing cabinet members.
This unfolds amidst ongoing protests in Israel, where some people call for immediate elections, others advocate for the safe return of hostages as the top concern, and yet others insist on halting further humanitarian aid to Gaza. Moreover, Israeli troops are engaged in combat across northern, central, and southern Gaza, preparing for what might be the most challenging phase of the current campaign.
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The international community is closely watching the developments in the Middle East, as the escalating conflict in Israel threatens to disrupt regional stability and potentially impact the world.
Gantz's proposal for an "American-European-Arab-Palestinian administration" in Gaza is seen as a significant shift in the region's politics, with potential implications reaching beyond the Middle East.
Source: edition.cnn.com
