Israel exploring governing alternatives to Hamas in Gaza, Netanyahu aide says Biden’s plan accepted

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Sunday (June 2) that Israel would not tolerate Hamas continuing its governance of Gaza at any point during the war's resolution process. In his statement, Gallant said that the defence establishment was actively exploring alternatives to the rule of the Islamist group Hamas in Gaza.

"While we conduct our important military actions, the defence establishment is simultaneously assessing a governing alternative to Hamas," Gallant said adding,"We will not accept the rule of Hamas in Gaza at any stage in any process aimed at ending the war."

Although Gallant did not specify what these potential alternatives could be, he said, "We will isolate areas in Gaza, remove Hamas operatives from these areas, and introduce forces that will enable an alternative government to form - an alternative that threatens Hamas."

In a related development, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby stated on Sunday (June 2) that the US expects Israel to accept the proposed deal if Hamas agrees to it.

Adding to the tension, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir issued a stark warning on Sunday. He threatened to bring down the government if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made concessions in the ceasefire talks. “If Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to lead this deal, we will dismantle the government,” Ben-Gvir declared in a video statement.

How did Hamas and Netanyahu react?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also responded to the agreement which aims to end the fighting in Gaza through a three-part plan unveiled by US President Joe Biden.

Reinforcing this stance, Netanyahu on Saturday (June 1) rejected a permanent ceasefire until certain conditions were met.

He reiterated, “Israel’s conditions for ending the war have not changed: the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.”

Notably, the plan includes a six-week ceasefire, withdrawal of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) from populated areas of Gaza, a surge of humanitarian aid, and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Ultimately, it seeks a permanent cessation of hostilities and a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza.

Israel has agreed to the deal framework, says Netanyahu adviser

Chief foreign policy adviser to Netanyahu Ophir Falk reportedly saidthatIsrael has agreed
Israel to the framework of Biden-touted hostage deal plan butthere is still work that needs to be done on the hostage release deal. He added that we dearly want the hostages released, all of them.“There are a lot of details to be worked out and that includes there will not be a permanent ceasefire until all our objectives are met,” he added. Notably,the proposal was welcomed tentatively by Hamas as well.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)