Israeli defence min opposes Bibi, endorses 'non-hostile Palestinian governing alternative' for Gaza post-war

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a confrontation on Wednesday (May 15), rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy for the Gaza Strip following the war with Hamas, which has been going on since October 7 when the militant group led an assault on the Jewish nation.

Gallant's televised statement highlighted a deepening rift within the Israeli leadership. "We must dismantle Hamas’ governing capabilities in Gaza. The key to this goal is military action, and the establishment of a governing alternative in Gaza," Gallant said, adding,"In the absence of such an alternative, only two negative options remain: Hamas' rule in Gaza or Israeli military rule in Gaza."

As per Gallant, he has been making efforts to promote his plan within the Israeli cabinet since October of a"non-hostile Palestinian governing alternative". However, there has been no response, he added.

Gallant has shownhis opposition to any long-term military rule by Israel in the besieged territory.

While Netanyahu in a veiled statement and without mentioning defence minister directly, hinted at Gallant's remarks as being mere "excuses."

However, former general Benny Gantz supportedGallant's position and said that the defence minister "spoke the truth".

The defence minister's criticism echoed sentiments expressed by the United States thathas been advocating for a role for the internationally supported Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza.

Israel's Rafah invasion

Thepublic dissent from within the Israeli leadership comes amid the ongoing bombardment of areas in Rafah and amid the dismissal by Netanyahu of US President Joe Biden's warnings to stop the supply of weapons to Israel

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Netanyahu's ruling coalition includes ultra-nationalist partners who oppose the PA and support new Jewish settlements in Gaza, leading to occasional policy disagreements within the government.

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Netanyahu has indicated that Israel will retain overall security control over Gaza post-war but stopped short of terming it an occupation.

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As Israeli ground forces reenter areas of northern Gaza, concerns mount over the lack of a clear post-Hamas strategy for the territory.

The World Food Programme (WFP) warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe if Israel's incursion into Rafah City escalates further, with hundreds of thousands already displaced due to evacuation orders issued earlier in May.

(With inputs from agencies)