Tel Aviv: Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has publicly criticized a top Cabinet minister, Benny Gantz, who arrived in Washington on Sunday for talks with US officials. This move highlights the widening divisions within Israel’s leadership nearly five months into its conflict with Hamas.
Gantz, a centrist political rival who joined Netanyahu’s Cabinet during the ongoing conflict with Hamas, embarked on this trip amidst escalating tensions between Netanyahu and the US over approaches to address the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the post-war plans for the enclave.
According to an official from Netanyahu’s Likud party, Gantz’s visit was unauthorized by the Israeli leader. The official, speaking anonymously, stated that Netanyahu had a stern conversation with Gantz, reiterating that the country has “just one prime minister.”
Scheduled meetings for Gantz during his US visit include discussions with Vice President Kamala Harris, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The purpose of Gantz’s visit, according to his National Unity Party, is to strengthen ties with the US, garner support for Israel’s war efforts, and advocate for the release of Israeli hostages.
Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing in Egypt to broker a ceasefire before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan next week. Israel’s absence in the talks is attributed to pending answers from Hamas regarding the status of hostages and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.
The US initiated airdrops of aid into Gaza following last week’s deadly incident where dozens of Palestinians were killed while attempting to retrieve food from an Israel-organized convoy. These airdrops bypass the challenges faced by traditional aid delivery methods hindered by Israeli restrictions and logistical constraints.
Netanyahu’s government, dominated by ultranationalists, has faced criticism for its handling of the conflict, leading to a decline in his popularity. Many Israelis hold him accountable for failing to prevent the initial attack by Hamas and for the subsequent casualties and hostage situations.
Despite broad support for the war effort among traumatized Israelis, growing dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s leadership has fueled protests calling for early elections. The potential resignation of Gantz from the government could further intensify public unrest.
The situation remains volatile, with ongoing strikes and casualties reported in both Israel and Gaza. Concerns about escalating tensions in the region prompt US officials to engage with Lebanon and Israel to prevent border conflicts from worsening.
