Benny Gantz, a retired Israeli army general and leader of the National Unity Party, has resigned from the wartime cabinet. He proposed a six-point plan for the post-war governance of Gaza, but the cabinet members could not reach a consensus on his proposal. As a result, Gantz chose to step down.
Gantz introduced his plan to the wartime cabinet in the middle of last month, stating that he would resign if the cabinet did not accept his proposal.
Benny Gantz is considered the main rival to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is viewed as somewhat more moderate. The reasons behind Gantz's resignation and its implications for Israel and Palestine are currently under debate.
What was Gantz's plan?
Gantz's six-point plan proposed a post-war governance structure for Gaza that would involve the participation of the United States, Europe, Arab countries, and Palestine in civilian administration, while Israel would retain full control over the valley's security.
His proposal also included a call for national security responsibilities to be shared equally among all Israelis. This would mean mandatory conscription into the army for all citizens, including radical Jews, who are currently exempt from military service under Netanyahu's coalition government.
Why does Netanyahu not like this plan?
Rumors suggest that Netanyahu rejected Gantz's plan due to personal interests. In his resignation letter, Gantz wrote, "Netanyahu is not allowing us to move towards a real victory."
US President Joe Biden told Time magazine that there is reason to believe Netanyahu is prolonging the war to save his political career. Netanyahu has faced charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust since 2019, and this war is seen as a means to protect himself from these legal issues. Ending the war might destabilize his coalition government, as some members favor establishing illegal settlements in Gaza, while others, like Gantz, advocate for an international task force to govern Gaza.
Netanyahu has also been criticized for failing to prevent Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7. However, he continues to campaign as the best provider of Israel's security, with many believing he is extending the war to deflect blame for this failure.
The hard right will benefit
Gantz's resignation is advantageous for hard-right factions like Netanyahu's. The wartime cabinet, now reduced to Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant, may see Gantz replaced by a hard-right member, facilitating Netanyahu's governance.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has already expressed interest in replacing Gantz. Hard-right figures like Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who have strong unity within Netanyahu's coalition, stand to gain. Their parties hold more seats in parliament than Gantz's moderate party. With Gantz's departure, the hard-right loses its biggest critic, making it easier for them to influence government decisions.
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