Netanyahu Faces Growing Pressure Over Gaza Strategy Amid Ongoing Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under mounting pressure from his own War Cabinet and Israel’s closest ally, the United States, over the future governance of Gaza. This pressure comes amid an ongoing and unresolved conflict with Hamas.

Gantz’s Ultimatum and Internal Pressures

On Saturday, Benny Gantz, a key member of the War Cabinet and Netanyahu’s main political rival, issued an ultimatum. He announced that he would leave the government on June 8 if it did not devise a new war plan. This plan, according to Gantz, should include an international, Arab, and Palestinian administration to manage civilian affairs in Gaza.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, another Cabinet member, echoed similar sentiments. He advocated for a plan involving Palestinian administration and stated firmly that he would not support Israel governing Gaza directly.

US Proposals and Netanyahu’s Stance

The United States has proposed revitalizing the Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza, with support from Saudi Arabia and other Arab states, as a step towards eventual Palestinian statehood. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is set to visit Israel to push these plans further.

Despite these pressures, Netanyahu has consistently dismissed the idea of involving the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. He suggests that civil responsibilities should be handed over to local Palestinians who are not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu has emphasized that no concrete plans can be made until Hamas is defeated, as the group has threatened anyone who collaborates with Israel.

Political Ramifications

Netanyahu’s resistance to these proposals has led to significant political tension. In response to Gantz’s ultimatum, Netanyahu claimed that Gantz’s conditions would equate to “defeat for Israel, abandoning most of the hostages, leaving Hamas intact, and establishing a Palestinian state.” He reiterated the importance of the emergency government in prosecuting the war and urged Gantz to clarify his positions publicly.

Gantz’s potential departure from the government could leave Netanyahu even more dependent on his far-right coalition allies, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. These allies advocate for reoccupying Gaza, encouraging the “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians, and reestablishing Jewish settlements removed in 2005.

Public and Political Backlash

Critics of Netanyahu, including thousands who have joined weekly protests, accuse him of extending the war for his political survival. Gantz, who brought his centrist party into the government shortly after the Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war, warned Netanyahu against choosing “the path of fanatics” and leading the nation into disaster.

Netanyahu denies these accusations, maintaining his focus on defeating Hamas and arguing that elections would divert attention from the war effort. However, polls suggest that if elections were held today, Netanyahu would likely be ousted from office, with Gantz poised to replace him. This potential shift could signal the end of Netanyahu’s long political career and expose him to prosecution for longstanding corruption charges.

Military and Humanitarian Situation

Within Israel’s security establishment, there is growing discontent over the lack of a clear postwar strategy. Officials warn that without such planning, tactical victories are turning into strategic defeats. Despite significant military efforts, Hamas has repeatedly regrouped, even in heavily impacted areas previously cleared by Israel.

Recent days have seen intense fighting in the Jabaliya refugee camp in the north and the Zeitoun neighborhood on the outskirts of Gaza City. Israeli troops are also advancing into parts of the southern city of Rafah, displacing approximately 800,000 people and severely disrupting humanitarian aid delivery.

Diplomatic Efforts and Hostage Crisis

Indirect talks mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt aimed at achieving a cease-fire and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas have stalled. The families of the hostages and their supporters increasingly hold the Israeli government accountable for the lack of progress.

Gantz, in his address, emphasized the need for decisive leadership: “Essential decisions were not taken. Acts of leadership required to ensure victory were not carried out. A small minority has taken over the command bridge of the Israeli ship and is leading it toward a wall of rocks.”

As the conflict continues with no clear resolution in sight, Netanyahu faces a critical juncture that will determine not only the future of Gaza but also his own political fate and the broader stability of the region.