From the Liveblog of
Friday, June 7, 2024
Gantz to give Saturday night press conference, is expected to announce withdrawal from government
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War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz will give a press statement Saturday evening at 8:40 p.m., his office announces.
The National Unity leader is expected to announce the withdrawal of his party from the government.
The move would mean he is fulfilling an ultimatum he set to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month demanding a commitment to an agreed-upon vision for the Gaza conflict that would include stipulating who might rule the territory in a scenario in which Hamas has been defeated.
According to Hebrew media reports, there are no ongoing negotiations or efforts by coalition parties to bridge the gaps with Gantz or ensure that he remains in the coalition after the June 8 deadline, and barring any last-minute surprises, he will honor the ultimatum as the government has not accepted or even seriously discussed the demands he made.
Gantz has come under pressure from some to remain in the government, after he joined the coalition days after the Hamas terror group’s October 7 onslaught to form an emergency wartime government.
The Kan public broadcaster reported Thursday, without citing sources, that the US government has tried to convince Gantz to delay his planned departure amid ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas in Gaza.
The Times of Israel Community.