National Unity Party head Benny Gantz issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last night: Either you present a strategic plan by June 8, or we leave the government. Gantz and his party joined Netanyahu's government unconditionally after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, and he and his party colleague Gadi Eisenkot are members of the narrow security cabinet. Both Gantz and Eisenkot were former chiefs of staff of the Israeli army.
In his appearance at Kfar Maccabiah last night, Gantz said: “A small minority seized the bridge of the Israeli ship and headed it towards the rocks. I stand here to tell the truth, and the truth is difficult. While Israel’s soldiers are showing superior heroism on the front, some of the people they sent into battle are behaving in a cowardly and unjust manner.” responsible.
“While hostages suffer hellish torments in Gaza's dark tunnels, there are those who are concerned with vanity. While the people of Israel rise above personal concerns, some of our politicians are thinking of themselves. Personal and political considerations are beginning to emerge. Permeate the holy of holies of Israel's security.”
“We must all understand and internalize: It is true that war is won through determination and strength on the battlefield. It is true that war is won out of love for Israel, commitment to Israel’s heritage, and devotion to Israel’s unity. Besides, war is won through A clear and realistic strategic compass. The war is won when all Israelis make their contributions and participate in the war effort. The war is won, sustaining a long struggle, with true and unfounded strength. Division, discord and vainglory. The war is won with wisdom, boldness, sacrifice, judgment and strong national strength.
“Having done, with my colleagues, everything I could do behind closed doors, change is needed here and now… Now, at the crossroads where we find ourselves, leadership must see the big picture, spot risks, identify opportunities and articulate An Updated National Strategy In order for us to fight shoulder to shoulder, the War Cabinet must formulate an action plan by June 8 that will lead to the achievement of six strategic objectives of national importance:
“1. Repatriation of hostages.
2. Dismantle Hamas rule, demilitarize the Gaza Strip, and ensure Israeli security control.
3. In addition to Israeli security control, the formation of an American, European, Arab, and Palestinian administration that will manage civil affairs in the Gaza Strip and lay the foundation for a future alternative that is not Hamas and not Abbas (President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas).
4. Returning the residents of the north to their homes by September 1 and rehabilitating the western Negev.
5. Proceed with normalization with Saudi Arabia as part of a general move to create an alliance with the free world and with the Arab world against Iran.
6. Adopting a service plan that leads to all Israelis serving the homeland and contributing to the highest national effort.
“There are no magic solutions. It will not be easy. But only if we set goals with clarity and courage, will we be able to choose the long road that will lead to the top.”
Addressing Netanyahu, Gantz said: “If you put the national interest above personal interests and choose to follow the path of Herzl, Ben-Gurion, Begin, and Rabin, you will find in us partners in the struggle.” But if you choose to follow the path of fanatics and lead the entire nation to the abyss, we will be forced to leave the government. We will turn to the people and form a government that gains the people's trust. We will form a government based on broad unity that will lead to reform and true victory.”
Gantz's announcement comes after Defense Minister Yoav Galant announced last week that he would not agree to Israeli military rule in the Gaza Strip. “This is a dangerous and bad alternative for Israel,” said Galant of Netanyahu's Likud party, adding that “military action is the end of diplomatic action.” Galant said that Netanyahu will not make a decision, and that this jeopardizes Israel's military achievements. “It is a moment of national testing, even if it comes at a political price,” he said.
Published by Globes, Israel Business News – en.globes.co.il – on May 19, 2024.
© Copyright Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd., 2024.
