Netanyhu given an ultimatum . . .

[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).

[Mosby]

1. Apparently they found 700+ tunnels under Rafah

With 50 crossing into Egypt.

[Frasier Balzov]

2. What about normalization of relations with Iran?

Aw, why not?

Turkey?

[Richard D]

3. Turkey . . .

. . . will be a lot easier to renormalize than Iran. The people want it, the Ayatollahs, not so much.

[sl8]

4. Washington Post is now reporting on it:

Last edited Sun May 19, 2024, 10:15 AM - Edit history (1)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/18/israel-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine-rafah/

Heavy fighting in northern Gaza as Israeli official gives Netanyahu ultimatum


Israeli forces were fighting in Jabalya refugee camp as Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, called for a plan to end the war.

By Bryan Pietsch and Mohamad El Chamaa
Updated May 18, 2024 at 3:57 p.m. EDT|Published May 18, 2024 at 2:43 a.m. EDT

Israel’s lack of a coherent postwar strategy threatened to unravel an increasingly fragile government as Israeli forces on Saturday sought to stamp out a resurgent Hamas in northern Gaza, where it had earlier claimed success.

Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, issued an ultimatum on Saturday evening, warning that he would resign from his position if the cabinet did not draft and approve a “comprehensive” postwar plan by June 8.

Such a plan should include the return of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip and determining an alternative government for the enclave, among other objectives, he said. Addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who leads the war cabinet, Gantz said: “The choice is in your hands.”

The remarks came as Israeli forces continued their week-long operation in the Jabalya refugee camp in northern Gaza, where witnesses described a scene of devastation.

[...]

[LetMyPeopleVote]

5. Bibi needs to go

Link to tweet