Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s war cabinet, issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, threatening to leave the government if a plan for the future of the war in Gaza is not developed soon. While Gantz’s departure would not bring down the government, it would strain the fragile coalition supporting Netanyahu’s far-right government. Gantz gave Netanyahu until June 8 to create a plan addressing the release of hostages, future governance of Gaza, and normalization with Saudi Arabia. Pressure has been mounting on Netanyahu from both within his War Cabinet and externally, with the United States urging a clear postwar strategy.
In response to Gantz’s ultimatum, Netanyahu accused him of seeking “Israeli defeat” by allowing Hamas to remain in power. Domestic frustration is growing over Netanyahu’s inability to secure the release of hostages still in Gaza. Israeli ground forces continued new operations in Rafah, while negotiations for a cease-fire with Hamas have stalled. Israel’s military has struggled to reach its goals of dismantling Hamas and freeing hostages, with a slow progress in achieving these aims. Israeli forces have had to return to combat a renewed Hamas insurgency in northern Gaza and continue to face attacks from Hezbollah across the border.
Gantz joined the government after Oct. 7 as an emergency wartime measure, forming a coalition with Netanyahu’s far-right allies. The U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, have called for a clear plan for governing Gaza postwar. However, Netanyahu and his allies have rejected the idea of empowering the Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza. Gantz echoed Netanyahu’s opposition to Palestinian sovereignty, proposing a temporary administration run by a coalition of international actors. The failures of Netanyahu’s current strategy were highlighted by the discovery of dead hostages and a resurgence of Hamas fighting in recent days.
As the war continued, vital aid to Gaza dwindled, with humanitarian workers warning of an impending famine due to severe shortages of basic supplies. More than 800,000 Palestinians have been forced to flee Rafah since Israel’s military offensive began, displacing them multiple times. Despite a limited operation against Hamas in Rafah, recent satellite imagery suggested worsening destruction as Israel considered a deeper assault. Many displaced Palestinians sought shelter in overcrowded areas with dire conditions, facing skyrocketing prices and limited resources. Families like the al-Lahhams were forced to fend for themselves, relying on occasional water supplies from charities amid the chaos.
The situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire as the conflict persists, with ongoing Israeli military action leading to widespread displacement, shortages, and humanitarian crises. Both domestically and internationally, pressure is mounting on Netanyahu to develop a clear postwar plan for Gaza. As the fragile coalition supporting his government faces strain, the future of the conflict and the region remains uncertain. Tensions continue to escalate in the region, with the need for urgent humanitarian assistance and political resolutions growing more critical by the day.
