Disagreements among members of the Israeli cabinet regarding the war against Hamas have been ongoing since the crisis began. Recently, tensions have escalated, leading to public arguments and one member issuing an ultimatum. The seven-month conflict may be heading towards a new phase.
On Saturday, Benny Gantz, the leader of the National Unity Party, who joined the war cabinet after Hamas' attack in October, called for the adoption of a six-point plan by June 8. This plan aims to secure the return of Israeli hostages, demobilize Hamas, and demilitarize the Gaza Strip.
Additionally, the plan proposes the establishment of an alternative government for Gaza, described as "an American-European-Arab-Palestinian administration." This government would serve as a foundation for a future alternative to Hamas or Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority.
The Gantz plan aims to bring back residents who were forced to leave due to Hezbollah attacks. It also includes steps to enable ultra-orthodox Jews to serve in the military like everyone else. This particular issue has been a point of contention for the religious right within the Israeli government.
Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz, pictured in October, is widely seen to be a leading contender to be the next Israeli leader.
Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz, pictured in October, is widely seen to be a leading contender to be the next Israeli leader.
Amir Levy/Getty Images
Gantz, a top candidate for the next Israeli leader, criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for letting personal and political interests affect national security.
He warned that if the nation is led in the wrong direction, they will leave the government, seek support from the people, and create a new government focused on achieving true success.
Gantz emphasized that unity should not be used as an excuse for not making progress in managing the campaign. Shortly after, accusations started to surface, revealing the divisions in Israeli politics and the personal grudges that exist within the government.
The prime minister's office responded by saying that Benny Gantz's conditions are old and clearly indicate the end of the war with a defeat for Israel, abandoning most hostages, leaving Hamas untouched, and creating a Palestinian state.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a member of the far-right, called Gantz a small leader and a big trickster who has been focused on dismantling the government since joining.
He mentioned that anyone who suggested giving the ultra-Orthodox agreements on a conscription law in return for breaking up the government and now talks about responsibility is being insincere and dishonest.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid, on the other hand, believes that Gantz should take action immediately.
"Stop with the press conferences and empty threats, just leave already! If you weren't in power, we would have moved on from Netanyahu and Ben Gvir by now," he stated.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid attends an anti-government demonstration in Tel Aviv on May 18, 2024.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid attends an anti-government demonstration in Tel Aviv on May 18, 2024.
Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images
Gantz’s criticism was not the only one. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also expressed his opinions last week, pointing out that certain decisions should have been made at the beginning of the war. He emphasized that he does not support the idea of Israeli military or civilian rule in Gaza, highlighting a lack of unity within the war cabinet.
Israeli troops are currently engaged in fighting in Gaza amidst ongoing internal conflict. They are uncertain about the outcome of their mission and lack a clear plan for what comes next once the fighting stops.
Gantz, the Israeli military leader, addressed this issue on Saturday. He commended the bravery of the soldiers on the front lines, while criticizing the cowardice and irresponsibility of those who sent them into battle.
Israeli analysts noted on Sunday that the initial perception of unity among the cabinet members during the conflict had been broken.
According to The Jerusalem Post, it was significant that Defense Minister Gantz publicly criticized the Prime Minister for putting his own political agenda ahead of the country's welfare. This marked the first time Gantz had set a specific timeframe for his continued participation in the government.
Anshel Pfeffer, in his article for Haaretz, pointed out that the speech delivered by Gantz seemed to simply rehash the numerous leaks regarding disagreements within the war cabinet.
Pfeffer, known for his book "Bibi: The Turbulent Life and Times of Benjamin Netanyahu," emphasized that after a week of political chaos, the key takeaway is that two out of the three war cabinet members have now openly criticized Netanyahu for lacking a clear strategy in the ongoing seven and a half month war.
Pfeffer and other analysts believe that the current situation may continue unchanged. They argue that Netanyahu feels secure with Gantz and Gallant in the three-man war cabinet, as they offer protection from right-wing members of the larger cabinet.
People protest against Netanyahu's government in Tel Aviv.
People protest against Netanyahu's government in Tel Aviv.
Leo Correa/AP
Some individuals are advocating for Israel to reconstruct settlements in Gaza and to adopt a more assertive strategy in the northern regions. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has proposed for the Israeli military to assume control of Gaza following the elimination of Hamas. He also suggested that Israeli forces should intervene and set up a security zone in southern Lebanon if Hezbollah persists with rocket attacks.
During a conversation on Saturday evening, Gantz directly addressed Netanyahu, stating, "I am looking at you now and I want to tell you - the decision rests in your hands."
The moment of truth has arrived, he said.
Will compromise be the key over the next three weeks to maintain the war cabinet? Also, Gantz is not included in the larger coalition government, so if he were to leave the war cabinet, it would not necessarily lead to the collapse of Netanyahu’s government.
However, this would result in the prime minister being more vulnerable to the pressures from far-right members of his cabinet.
At the same time, Israel is experiencing daily protests. Some are advocating for immediate elections, others are emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the release of hostages, and there are also those who oppose further humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Additionally, the Israeli military is engaged in battles across north, central, and southern Gaza, gearing up for what could be the most challenging phase of the campaign so far.
Editor's P/S:
The internal divisions within the Israeli cabinet over the ongoing conflict with Hamas are deeply concerning. The public arguments and ultimatums issued by high-ranking officials expose the lack of unity and clear strategy in managing the war. Benny Gantz's six-point plan highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the security and humanitarian challenges in Gaza, but it has been met with resistance from other cabinet members.
The personal grudges and political maneuvering within the government are undermining the effectiveness of the war cabinet. Prime Minister Netanyahu's critics accuse him of prioritizing his own agenda over the national interest, while far-right members advocate for more aggressive measures. This disharmony has led to uncertainty and diminished morale among Israeli troops on the front lines. The lack of consensus and a clear plan for the future raises concerns about the long-term consequences of the conflict and the stability of the Israeli government.
