Defence Minister calls for clear post-war plans, rejects occupation of Gaza

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s handling of the Gaza conflict, accusing the government of lacking a clear post-war strategy. This criticism comes 14 months after Gallant’s brief dismissal for opposing Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plans. Gallant’s recent address has intensified the ongoing political struggle within Israel’s leadership, as he demands decisive action on Gaza’s future, rejecting both prolonged occupation and personal politics. Gallant’s demands highlight the internal divisions and the urgent need for a coherent plan to replace Hamas without resorting to military governance.

Gallant’s demands focus on three critical decisions: the duration of the war, the rejection of Israeli governance over Gaza, and the prioritization of national interests over personal politics. His insistence on these points underscores his frustration with Netanyahu’s indecision, which he believes is weakening the IDF and empowering Hamas. This conflict within Israel’s leadership mirrors past wars in Lebanon, where a lack of clear strategy led to prolonged and costly engagements. Gallant’s call for a clear stance on Gaza’s governance after Hamas reflects his desire to avoid a similar quagmire and protect Israel’s long-term security.

Times of Israel :

The Times of Israel’s article by Shalom Yerushalmi highlights Gallant’s three crucial demands for Netanyahu. First, Gallant questions whether Netanyahu envisions a short or long war, urging the government to decide on an alternative to Hamas to end major fighting and provide direction for the IDF. This demand reflects Gallant’s frustration with the government’s indecision, which he believes is prolonging the conflict and strengthening Hamas at a high cost to Israel. The article notes that this frustration has been building for months, culminating in Gallant’s recent public address.

Gallant’s second demand is a clear rejection of Israeli military and civil governance of post-Hamas Gaza. He insists that Netanyahu must publicly oppose occupying Gaza and managing its civilian affairs, reminiscent of the military governance system in place after the Six-Day War. Gallant’s stance stems from his experience as a military advisor during Ariel Sharon’s disengagement from Gaza in 2005. He argues that ruling over millions of hostile Palestinians in Gaza could destroy the state. Gallant suggests that the Palestinian Authority or other Palestinian entities, with international support, should govern Gaza post-war.

The third critical issue Gallant raises is the future of Israel’s government. He challenges Netanyahu to choose between aligning with him, Benny Gantz, and Gadi Eisenkot or siding with far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir. Gallant’s call to prioritize national interests over personal or political costs implies that a decision to withdraw from Gaza could lead to a coalition collapse, as Smotrich and Ben Gvir’s parties might exit the government. The article highlights the fragile state of Netanyahu’s coalition, with far-right ministers demanding Gallant’s dismissal, while Netanyahu’s political strength is waning.

The Jerusalem Post :

The Jerusalem Post editorial focuses on the public spat between Netanyahu and Gallant, framing it as a power struggle over Gaza’s future governance. Gallant’s speech at the Kirya military headquarters calls on Netanyahu to rule out Israeli rule over Gaza and work towards establishing an alternative to Hamas with international support. Gallant reiterates the government’s goals of defeating Hamas and returning hostages but stresses the need for a post-war plan. Netanyahu’s immediate rejection of Gallant’s position, stating he won’t replace “Hamastan with Fatahstan,” underscores the deep divisions within the government.

The editorial notes the polarized reactions within Netanyahu’s coalition. Far-right ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, demand Gallant’s dismissal, arguing that he must be replaced to achieve the war’s goals. Conversely, centrist figures like National Unity leader Benny Gantz support Gallant, emphasizing the responsibility of leadership to make decisions in the country’s best interest. The Jerusalem Post urges a middle path, recognizing Gallant’s valid points about the need for a clear endgame while criticizing his public airing of internal disagreements.

The Jerusalem Post emphasizes the importance of the government clearly communicating its plans for post-war Gaza to the Israeli public. The editorial argues that as IDF soldiers continue to fight, the public deserves to know the government’s strategy for the future. Netanyahu has signalled a preference for retaining overall security control over Gaza with a multinational force deployed, but he opposes reoccupying the territory. The editorial calls for a concrete plan to prevent anarchy and chaos, aligning with Gallant’s call for a governing alternative to Hamas.

Axios :

Axios’ Barak Ravid details Gallant’s dramatic speech criticizing Netanyahu’s lack of a post-war plan for Gaza. Gallant warns that Netanyahu’s inaction is pushing Israel towards imposing military and civilian rule over Gaza, a scenario he believes would erode Israel’s military power and economy. Gallant’s comments reveal deepening political divisions within Israel’s war cabinet, as officials grow frustrated with the lack of a clear strategy. Gallant’s view that the Palestinian Authority should play a role in Gaza’s future is shared by most of Israel’s security establishment and the war cabinet, contrasting with Netanyahu’s and his far-right allies’ stance.

A senior U.S. official supports Gallant’s concerns, stating that the Biden administration shares his worry about the lack of a post-war plan. Secretary of State Tony Blinken emphasizes the need for a clear plan for Gaza’s future, rejecting Israeli occupation, continued Hamas rule, and anarchy. Gallant’s speech echoes his warnings from the previous year about Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul, which led to his brief dismissal. The article highlights Gallant’s persistent calls for a strategy to create a Palestinian alternative to Hamas, aligning with recommendations from Israel’s military and intelligence services.

Gallant’s speech has intensified calls from Netanyahu’s ultranationalist coalition partners, Itamar Ben Gvir and Betzalel Smotrich, for his dismissal. Despite this pressure, Gallant continues to push for a clear strategy, warning that Israel is drifting towards military and civilian control in Gaza without a decisive plan. Gallant’s aide indicates that his public critique is motivated by a critical juncture regarding an invasion of Rafah. The aide suggests that the current trajectory benefits radical elements within the government who advocate for full Israeli control over Gaza and the rebuilding of settlements.