Israeli War Cabinet's Gantz May Resign if No New War Plan by June 8
Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's War Cabinet, has issued an ultimatum to the government, threatening to resign if a new strategy for the conflict in Gaza is not adopted. His proposed plan includes the return of hostages, the cessation of Hamas' control, the demilitarization of Gaza, and the establishment of an international administration to oversee civilian affairs. Gantz's departure could potentially make Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition more dependent on far-right factions.
The Israeli military's campaign in Gaza has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, with over 35,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza and additional fatalities in the occupied West Bank. Amidst the ongoing conflict, there is a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Residents are struggling with food shortages, leading to the consumption of weeds and animal feed. To alleviate this crisis, the first distribution of international aid is set to begin from a new U.S. pier off the coast of Gaza.
On the diplomatic front, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is expected to visit Saudi Arabia and Israel to discuss the war. His itinerary includes a meeting with Netanyahu. These developments occur more than seven months into the conflict, which continues to challenge Israel's political and military strategies, as well as international relations in the region.
