Israeli cabinet disagrees, defense minister 'pops' prime minister

A fierce debate has erupted within the Israeli government, surrounding the country's post-war policy towards the Gaza Strip.


In televised remarks on May 15, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant publicly challenged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his postwar plans for the Gaza Strip. Gallant said he would oppose any attempt by Israel to hold long-term military rule in the devastated strip.

Gallant said Israel should aim to establish a "non-hostile Palestinian governing body" to replace Hamas in Gaza. He criticized that since last October, Netanyahu's government had not responded to his proposal.

"We must remove Hamas' control in Gaza. The key to this goal is military action and the establishment of alternative control mechanisms," Gallant said.

"In the absence of such an alternative, only two negative options remain: Hamas control or Israeli troops in Gaza," the Israeli defense minister added, adding that he would oppose the second scenario.

Gallant's comments marked Netanyahu's deepest disagreement in his senior cabinet over the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu hinted the defense minister was "making excuses" for not being able to completely destroy Hamas. In addition, the Israeli prime minister said that any move to form an alternative government in Gaza would require the elimination of Hamas first

However, former Defense Secretary Benny Gantz backed Gallant's view, saying Gallant was "telling the truth."

The internal debate reflects major differences within Netanyahu's ruling coalition government over how to handle the Gaza Strip after an armed conflict that has lasted more than 8 months. While one camp wants to establish an alternative government to Hamas, the other supports the Israeli military maintaining security control over the strip.

With his role in power shaking, Netanyahu continues to call for the elimination of Hamas without offering a clear alternative to Gaza.

Over the past week, Israeli forces have returned to several areas of northern Gaza they occupied and retreated in the first half of the war. Israel described the new missions as planned crackdowns on Hamas' rallying efforts.