By S. Adam, Jadetimes News
Gantz Sets Deadline for Strategic Post-War Goals in Gaza
Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz has issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatening to resign unless a comprehensive post-war plan for the Gaza Strip is set by June 8. Gantz outlined six strategic goals, including ending Hamas rule and establishing a multinational civilian administration in Gaza.
Gantz emphasized the need for national unity over personal agendas, stating, "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." Netanyahu dismissed these comments as "washed-up words" that would lead to "defeat for Israel."
The internal political rift surfaces amid ongoing fighting in Gaza. Israeli forces are engaged in operations in the southern city of Rafah and the northern town of Jabalia, an area previously claimed to be cleared of Hamas fighters. Gantz’s call for a clear strategy echoes sentiments from Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who has repeatedly urged Netanyahu to publicly declare that Israel has no intention of maintaining civilian and military rule in Gaza.
Gallant and Gantz argue that continued military control in Gaza would heighten Israel's security risks, while far-right coalition members believe it is essential to defeat Hamas. In a televised address, Gantz urged Netanyahu to choose "between Zionism and cynicism, between unity and factions, between responsibility and lawlessness, between victory and disaster."
Among Gantz's strategic goals are the return of all Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas, and the return of displaced Palestinian civilians to northern Gaza by September 1. He also highlighted the importance of continuing efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia as part of a broader alliance against Iran.
Netanyahu responded that meeting Gantz's demands would lead to "the end of the war and a defeat for Israel, the abandoning of most of the hostages, leaving Hamas intact and the establishment of a Palestinian state." The Israeli war cabinet, established after the October 7 Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in hostages being taken, remains divided on the future course of action.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of 35,386 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Reports indicate that IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has also pressed Netanyahu for a "day after" strategy, suggesting that without a diplomatic solution, repeated military campaigns will be necessary to control Hamas.
Gantz has proposed an international administration involving American, European, Arab, and Palestinian stakeholders to manage Gaza's civilian affairs while a future government framework is developed. He suggested that Israel could maintain a degree of "security control" during this transitional period.
In Jabalia, the IDF has reported intense battles with Palestinian armed groups. Palestinian medics claim that an Israeli strike killed 15 people. Hamas has accused Israel's "brutal raids" of causing numerous civilian casualties.
As the conflict continues, Israel has issued new evacuation orders for parts of northern Gaza in response to rocket fire. The situation remains volatile, with recent operations targeting Hamas strongholds in Rafah, an area previously designated for civilian evacuation.
