DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. Benny Gantz, a prominent centrist and member of Israel’s three-member War Cabinet, has issued a stark ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gantz declared on Saturday that he will resign from the government if a new war plan for Gaza is not adopted within three weeks, potentially reshaping Israel’s political landscape.
This announcement comes amid a protracted conflict that has seen Israel struggle to achieve its objectives of dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages taken during the militant group’s October 7 attack. Gantz’s resignation would force Netanyahu to rely more heavily on his far-right allies, further polarizing the nation’s leadership.
Gantz’s Six-Point Plan
Gantz outlined a comprehensive six-point plan, emphasizing:
- The return of hostages.
- The end of Hamas’ rule.
- The demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.
- The establishment of an international administration for Gaza’s civilian affairs, with cooperation from the U.S., Europe, Arab nations, and Palestinians.
- Efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia.
- Expanding military service to all Israelis.
“If you choose the path of fanatics and lead the entire nation to the abyss — we will be forced to quit the government,” Gantz warned, setting a deadline of June 8.
Netanyahu’s Response
Prime Minister Netanyahu responded by accusing Gantz of issuing an ultimatum to the Israeli government rather than to Hamas, dismissing Gantz’s conditions as “euphemisms” for Israel’s defeat.
Internal Tensions
Gantz’s threat comes shortly after Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, also a member of the War Cabinet, stated he would resign if Israel decided to reoccupy Gaza, advocating instead for a Palestinian administration. Gantz criticized what he described as the infiltration of “personal and political considerations” into national security matters, in an apparent critique of Netanyahu.
Polls suggest Gantz as a leading contender for the next prime minister, a role that could expose Netanyahu to longstanding corruption charges. His potential departure from the War Cabinet could significantly weaken Netanyahu’s position.
U.S. Involvement and Domestic Pressure
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia and Israel to discuss the conflict. Netanyahu has asserted that Israel would “stand alone” if necessary.
Domestically, frustration is mounting. Israelis are calling for a deal to end the fighting, exacerbated by the recent discovery of the bodies of additional hostages killed by Hamas. Thousands rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday, with some police using water cannons against protesters.
Humanitarian Crisis
Efforts to deliver aid to Gaza faced setbacks, with Israeli tanks firing warning shots to clear the way for trucks carrying food supplies. The conflict, which began with Hamas’ October 7 attack, has led to significant casualties on both sides: 1,200 Israelis were killed and 250 taken hostage, while over 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza have died, according to local health officials.
Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel will maintain security control over Gaza and collaborate with local Palestinians not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, though he acknowledged that planning for postwar governance is contingent on Hamas’ defeat.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
