A member of Israel’s three-man war cabinet has threatened to resign from the government if it does not adopt a new plan for the war in Gaza.
The move by Benny Gantz escalates a divide within Israel’s leadership more than seven months into the war.
Israel is yet to accomplish its stated goals of dismantling Hamas and returning scores of hostages abducted in the attack on 7 October.
Mr Gantz, a long-time political rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has now set out a six-point plan that includes the return of hostages, ending Hamas’s rule, demilitarising the strip and establishing an international administration of civilian affairs.
Mr Gantz’s plan also supports efforts to normalise relations with Saudi Arabia.
He said if it is not adopted by 8 June he will quit the government.
His departure would leave Mr Netanyahu even more beholden to far-right allies who have taken a hard line on negotiations over a ceasefire and hostage release, and who believe Israel should occupy Gaza and rebuild Jewish settlements there.
“If you choose the path of fanatics and lead the entire nation to the abyss – we will be forced to quit the government,” Mr Gantz has said.
The centrist politician joined Mr Netanyahu’s coalition and the war cabinet in the early days of the conflict.
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Source Agencies
