“Israel’s” Internal Rift: Gantz Expected to Bolt Coalition Saturday Night

By Staff, Agencies

“Israeli” war cabinet Minister Benny Gantz is set to announce the withdrawal of his so-called “National” Unity party from the government by Saturday night, fulfilling an ultimatum he set to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month demanding a "commitment to an agreed-upon vision for the end of war on Gaza".

According to Hebrew media reports, there are no ongoing negotiations or efforts by coalition parties to bridge the gaps with Gantz or ensure that he remains in the coalition after the June 8 deadline, and barring any last-minute surprises, he will honor the ultimatum made three weeks ago, as the government has not accepted or even seriously discussed the demands he made.

The Kan public broadcaster reported Thursday, without citing sources, that the US government has tried to convince Gantz to delay his planned departure amid ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire and deal with Hamas in Gaza.

In his ultimatum last month, Gantz demanded that the war cabinet formulate a plan that would include returning the captives, eliminating Hamas in Gaza, allowing for the return of thousands of 'Israelis' displaced from their homes in the north and the south of the country since October 7, and “adopting a framework for military service”

In response to that press conference, Netanyahu issued a scathing statement in which he accused his coalition partner of making an ultimatum that would mean “an end to the war and defeat for ‘Israel’, abandoning the majority of the captives, leaving Hamas in power, and creating a Palestinian state.”