What this is about
Minister-without-portfolio Benny Gantz has issued a deadline for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet six key objectives. If these requirements are not met by Saturday, Gantz and his party, the National Unity Party, have vowed to exit the coalition government.
Why it matters
This ultimatum comes at a crucial time for Israeli politics, demanding significant measures that align with both national security interests and steps toward larger regional reforms. The potential departure of Gantz could destabilize the current government amidst sensitive geopolitical negotiations and internal reforms.
The key objectives
- Returning Israeli hostages.
- Demolishing Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip.
- Establishing a governance alternative in the Gaza Strip.
- Repatriating Northern residents by September 1 and rehabilitating the western Negev region.
- Promoting normalization with Saudi Arabia.
- Adopting standardized national service for all Israeli citizens.
Potential Outcomes
There is speculation as to what extent these demands will be fulfilled. Netanyahu publicly opposed some requirements, but the latest proposal on a hostage deal with Hamas, backed by the entire war cabinet, aligns closely with one of Gantz’s major demands.
Gantz’s Strategic Moves
Gantz’s ultimatum underscores his stance on critical issues, including an ultra-Orthodox draft proposal which he believes falls short in promoting national equality and meeting state recruitment needs.
Party Actions
Members of the National Unity Party have initiated actions that suggest an escalating conflict with the current administration. MK Orit Farkash Hacohen proposed forming a National Committee of Inquiry on the events surrounding October 7, while MK Pnina Tamano-Shata introduced a bill to disperse the Knesset, potentially signaling a paving path to new elections.
Eliav Breuer contributed to this report.
Related Tags
Benjamin Netanyahu, Benny Gantz, National Unity Party, Gaza hostages
This story was first published on jpost.com.