Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz has issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatening to resign if a comprehensive post-war plan for Gaza is not established by June 8. Gantz’s demands include ending Hamas rule in Gaza and setting up a multinational civilian administration for the territory.
In a statement, Gantz emphasized the need for strategic planning and unity: “If you put the national over personal, you will find in us partners in the struggle. But if you choose the path of fanatics and lead the entire nation to the abyss, we will be forced to quit the government.” He criticized Netanyahu’s lack of a clear post-war strategy, which he described as leading the country toward disaster.
Netanyahu dismissed Gantz’s comments as “washed-up words” and claimed that meeting these demands would mean “defeat for Israel.” The rift within the Israeli government comes amid ongoing military operations in Gaza, particularly in the southern city of Rafah and the northern town of Jabalia.
The tension in the war cabinet escalated further when Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged Netanyahu to publicly state that Israel has no plans to take over civilian and military rule in Gaza. Gallant and Gantz argue that maintaining military control in Gaza would increase security risks for Israel. Conversely, some far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition believe that continued control is necessary to defeat Hamas.
In a televised address, Gantz called on Netanyahu to choose between unity and factionalism, between victory and disaster. He outlined six strategic goals, including the return of all Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinian civilians to northern Gaza by September 1. He also emphasized the importance of normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia as part of a broader alliance against Iran and its allies.
Netanyahu responded that fulfilling Gantz’s demands would lead to the end of the war prematurely, leaving Hamas intact and establishing a Palestinian state—outcomes he believes would be disastrous for Israel.
The Israeli war cabinet was formed after Hamas attacked Israeli communities near Gaza on October 7, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and numerous hostages taken. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has led to the deaths of 35,386 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Amid the internal political strife, Israeli military operations in Gaza continue. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been pushing further into Jabalia, a historic refugee camp, and fighting battles with Palestinian armed groups. In Rafah, Israeli forces have launched air strikes and ground raids, targeting what they claim are Hamas strongholds.
UN officials and international aid groups have voiced concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), reported that approximately 800,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah, seeking shelter in Khan Younis or along the coast. He condemned the notion of “safe” zones in Gaza, highlighting the severe risks civilians face when forced to move repeatedly.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is expected in Israel for talks with Netanyahu. Sullivan’s visit follows discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on increasing aid to Gaza and achieving Palestinian statehood. The Biden administration has expressed opposition to any full-scale Israeli assault on Rafah without a concrete plan to protect civilians.
