Netanyhu given an ultimatum . . . [View all]

[Richard D]

(note: this is from an unofficial newsletter from Israel)

War Cabinet / National Unity leader MK Gantz gives PM Netanyahu an ultimatum:

“While the IDF soldiers fight bravely, some of our leaders behave cowardly. War is won with determination and strength on the battlefield, but war is also won with a strategic compass.

In order for us to fight shoulder to shoulder, the War Cabinet must adopt an unequivocal strategy by June 8:

1. Return the kidnapped.
2. Destroy Hamas
3. Not Israeli control of Gaza the day after.
4. The return of all residents of the north by September 1
5. Rehabilitation of the southern settlements.

We will give the people of Israel a horizon of hope, restore Israeli strength and prepare all the necessary military systems.

We will have to resign from the government if Netanyahu does not choose the path of unity and strength.”

(Amit Segal - Israeli journalist and radio and television personality):

The conditions that Gantz lays out for the strategic plan:

1. To return home our hostages.
2. To topple the rule of Hamas, manage the Gaza Strip and ensure Israeli security control.
3. Along with maintaining Israeli security control, establish an American-European-Arab-Palestinian administration that will civil manage the Strip and lay the foundation for a future alternative that is not Hamas or Palestinian Authority/Abbas.
4. Return the residents of the north to their homes by September 1 and restore the Western Negev.
5. Promote normalization with Saudi Arabia as part of a comprehensive move that will create an alliance with the free world and the Arab world against Iran.
6. Adopt a service outline that will result in all Israelis serving the state and contributing to the national effort.

*****

On other notes, as many as 14 bodies of hostages have been recovered.

US NAT SECURITY ADVISOR.. Jake Sullivan will arrive in Israel on Sunday and meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

AID - KEREM SHALOM CLOSED.. Kerem Shalom cargo terminal is closed to aid entry (following multiple attacks by Hamas).