Netanyahu's Office Rejects Gantz's Ultimatum; His Conditions Have Clear Meanings: End of War and Defeat for Israel

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office has rejected Benny Gantz's threat to leave the government, stating that the conditions set by Gantz are baseless claims with clear meanings: 'the end of the war and defeat for Israel, further abandonment of hostages, the continued existence of Hamas, and the establishment of a Palestinian state.' The statement also questioned Gantz on whether he is determined to destroy Hamas brigades, oppose the Palestinian Authority's entry into Gaza, and oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state. The Prime Minister's Office emphasized that Benjamin Netanyahu is committed to all three issues. According to the statement, 'Netanyahu believes that an emergency government is essential to achieve all war objectives, including the return of all hostages, and expects Gantz to clarify his positions on these matters to the public.' Gantz's exit from the emergency war cabinet will not lead to the collapse of Netanyahu's government, as he is not part of the coalition government. However, his potential exit would damage the image of unity during wartime that Netanyahu has attempted to present throughout the Gaza war. In response to the Prime Minister's Office statement, Gantz quickly reacted, stating that the Prime Minister should not procrastinate out of fear of extremists within his government. Gantz added that if Netanyahu had listened to his advice and entered Rafah months ago, 'the mission would have been accomplished.' Benny Gantz, Israel's war cabinet minister, issued an ultimatum to the Prime Minister at a press conference, stating that if an operational plan to achieve strategic objectives is not presented by June 9, he will exit the coalition with him. He outlined these objectives to include the return of hostages, the overthrow of Hamas's rule, the demilitarization of Gaza, gaining Israeli security control over Gaza, establishing an international civilian governance mechanism for Gaza, returning residents of the north to their homes by September 1, and progressing towards normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia. Gantz stated that achieving these goals will not be easy, but with a clear and bold definition of objectives, a long path to the summit can be chosen. He also mentioned his discussions with world and Arab leaders and expressed that he knows his strategic objectives are achievable. Gantz stated that leadership must see the big picture, identify risks and opportunities, and create an updated national strategy. He emphasized that Israel will maintain full responsibility for its own security and will not allow any foreign power, friend or foe, to impose a Palestinian state on Israel. Gantz clearly stated that Israel will pursue Hamas and all its enemies under any circumstances, at any time and place.