Israel’s defense minister on Wednesday warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against perpetuating Israeli rule over Gaza, calling him to find an alternative Palestinian leadership to replace Hamas. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said he had repeatedly pleaded with the government to make a decision on a postwar vision for Gaza that would see the creation of a new Palestinian civilian leadership for the territory, but that it has refused to discuss the issue.
Quick Read
- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant publicly opposes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s inclination for open-ended Israeli military rule over Gaza.
- Gallant advocates for the establishment of a new Palestinian civilian leadership in Gaza, distancing from Hamas.
- He criticizes the government’s reluctance to discuss postwar visions for Gaza and calls for an urgent decision to avoid Israeli military governance of the area.
- Gallant suggests Netanyahu’s hesitation is influenced by political pressures from his ultranationalist partners who favor reoccupying Gaza.
- The United States, a key ally of Israel, has stated it will not support a reinstatement of Israeli military occupation in Gaza.
The Associated Press has the story:
Gallant says Netanyahu shouldn’t seek open-ended military rule over Gaza
Newslooks- JERUSALEM — (AP)
Israel’s defense minister on Wednesday warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against perpetuating Israeli rule over Gaza, calling him to find an alternative Palestinian leadership to replace Hamas.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said he had repeatedly pleaded with the government to make a decision on a postwar vision for Gaza that would see the creation of a new Palestinian civilian leadership for the territory, but that it has refused to discuss the issue.
“I call on the prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make a decision and declare that Israel will not rule over civilian affairs in Gaza, there won’t be Israeli military rule in Gaza, and an alternative leadership to Hamas in the Gaza Strip will be advanced,” he said.
In a nationally televised statement, Gallant urged Netanyahu to agree to such a postwar vision for the country’s best interest. He suggested Netanyahu was not making a decision out of political considerations. Netanyahu’s ultranationalist governing partners want Israel to reoccupy the Gaza Strip.
The United States, Israel’s top ally, says it won’t accept a return of Israeli military occupation of the Gaza Strip.
