Possible Rift in Israel's War Cabinet; Gantz to Announce His Party's Exit from Netanyahu's Coalition on Saturday

Some media outlets report that Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet, will announce his party's exit from this cabinet on Saturday, June 9. Gantz's office has stated that he will declare the end of his party's support for Benjamin Netanyahu's government following a press release on the evening of Saturday, June 9. Three weeks ago, Gantz had asked Netanyahu to agree to a plan for Gaza in the post-war period by June 9. He threatened that if such a plan was not presented, he would leave the coalition. Gantz's centrist party also proposed on Thursday, June 8, that Israeli parliament members vote to dissolve the parliament. However, it is unclear whether his proposal for early elections will have enough support in the parliament. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had previously stated his opposition to a plan for Gaza's administration by Israel in the post-war period. He also urged Netanyahu to present a plan for Gaza's governance after the war. Following the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 of last year, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of over 250 others, Israel launched an assault on Gaza aimed at destroying this group supported by the Islamic Republic and securing the return of hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized the continuation of the war until Hamas is completely destroyed. He is opposed to the administration of Gaza by Palestinian groups after the war, in a clear disagreement with leaders of some Western countries, including the U.S. presidency, insisting that governance and military oversight of the strip should be conducted by Israel, 'even for a specified period.' Gantz's party has called for a vote to dissolve the Israeli parliament. There is a possibility of resuming ceasefire negotiations for Gaza based on 'new proposals' in the coming days. The U.S. Secretary of State discussed the latest developments in Gaza and Ukraine with his counterparts in Israel and Germany. The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to immediately cease operations in Rafah. Netanyahu's office rejected Gantz's ultimatum; the conditions he set have clear implications: the end of the war and defeat for Israel. Gantz's ultimatum states that if an operational plan to achieve strategic objectives is not presented within 20 days, he will exit the coalition with Netanyahu. The U.S. Secretary of State emphasized the necessity of respecting human rights in all countries and rejected double standards in this regard.