Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong disapproval of the military’s decision to implement 11-hour daily pauses in fighting along a main road into Gaza for humanitarian aid delivery. The Israeli military planned to halt battles between Kerem Shalom Crossing and Salah al-Din Road from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time each day. However, Netanyahu found this approach unacceptable, emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the plan.
The disagreement between Netanyahu and the military underscores the political tensions surrounding aid delivery to Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis is escalating. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a member of Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, criticized the idea of a tactical pause and called for accountability within the military ranks. This clash is part of a series of disputes between Netanyahu’s government and the military regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The recent resignation of Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz from Netanyahu’s emergency government further highlights the internal divisions and challenges facing the Israeli leadership. Gantz emphasized the need to prioritize the return of hostages taken by Hamas over political interests, accusing Netanyahu of hindering the country’s progress towards achieving a decisive victory. His decision to step down reflects broader concerns about the government’s ability to make strategic decisions effectively.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid supported Gantz’s resignation, advocating for a change in leadership to address security issues, secure the release of hostages, and restore Israel’s international standing. The evolving political landscape in Israel underscores the complexities of managing the conflict with Hamas and the urgent need for cohesive decision-making to ensure the country’s stability and security.