Israel War Cabinet member threatens to quit by June 8 without new war plan

Benny Gantz, a prominent centrist member of Israel’s three-member War Cabinet, has threatened to resign unless the government adopts a new plan for the war in Gaza within three weeks. This move could force Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to rely more heavily on his far-right allies.

This announcement exacerbates the internal rift in Israel’s leadership as the war, now over seven months long, has yet to meet its objectives of dismantling Hamas and rescuing hostages taken during the militant group’s October 7 attack.

Gantz outlined a six-point strategy, emphasizing the return of hostages, ending Hamas’ control, demilitarizing Gaza, and setting up an international administration for civilian affairs involving American, European, Arab, and Palestinian cooperation. The plan also aims to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia and expand military service to all Israelis. He set a deadline of June 8, warning, “If you choose the path of fanatics and lead the entire nation to the abyss — we will be forced to quit the government.”

In response, Netanyahu accused Gantz of issuing an ultimatum to the prime minister rather than to Hamas and dismissed his conditions as “euphemisms” for Israel’s defeat.

Gantz, who joined Netanyahu’s coalition and the War Cabinet early in the war for national unity, would leave Netanyahu more dependent on far-right allies who support occupying Gaza and re-establishing Jewish settlements there if he resigns.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the third member of the War Cabinet, also recently stated he would not remain in his position if Israel decided to reoccupy Gaza, advocating instead for a Palestinian administration.

Gantz criticized “personal and political considerations” infiltrating Israel’s security decisions, indirectly targeting Netanyahu. Critics accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war to avoid elections, which he denies. Polls indicate Gantz could be a leading candidate for prime minister, a position that could make Netanyahu vulnerable to corruption charges.

Netanyahu faces mounting pressure as hard-liners push for the offensive on Rafah to continue, while international allies like the U.S. warn against escalating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is visiting Saudi Arabia and Israel to discuss the conflict and will meet Netanyahu on Sunday. Netanyahu has stated that Israel would “stand alone” if necessary.

Public frustration in Israel is high, with many citizens demanding an end to the conflict and new elections. Recent military announcements about the discovery of hostages killed by Hamas have intensified these calls. Thousands of Israelis protested on Saturday, with some facing police water cannons in Tel Aviv.

Efforts to mediate a cease-fire, led by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, have made little progress. A new attempt to deliver aid to Gaza faltered on Saturday when Israeli tanks fired warning shots, leading to a Palestinian fatality and chaotic scenes as people tried to retrieve food supplies.

The conflict began with Hamas’ October 7 attack, which Israel says killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages being taken. The Israeli offensive has reportedly killed over 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Netanyahu has stated that Israel will maintain indefinite security control over Gaza and work with local Palestinians not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. However, he insists that planning for postwar governance must wait until Hamas is defeated.