Israeli War Cabinet Tensions: Hamas, Hezbollah, and Benny Gantz’s Demands
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Divisions and disagreements within the Israeli cabinet regarding the conduct and priorities of the war against Hamas have been ongoing since the crisis began. However, tensions have escalated, revealing a new level of public animosity and an ultimatum from one of the three members of the war cabinet.
On Saturday, Benny Gantz, the leader of the National Unity Party, who joined the war cabinet after Hamas’ attack in October, demanded the adoption of a six-point plan by June 8. The plan aims to secure the return of Israeli hostages, the demobilization of Hamas, and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip. Additionally, it proposes the establishment of an alternative government for Gaza, described as “an American-European-Arab-Palestinian administration” that would lay the groundwork for a future alternative to Hamas or Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority.
Gantz’s plan also includes measures to ensure the return of residents displaced by attacks from Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia in Lebanon, as well as provisions to facilitate the drafting of ultra-orthodox Jews into the military, a matter of contention for the religious right in the Israeli cabinet.
