Why Did Netanyahu Publicly Condemn Gantz’s Diplomatic Moves in Washington?

Image credit: Aljazeera

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly criticized a top Cabinet minister, Benny Gantz, for his visit to Washington, signaling deeper divisions within Israel’s leadership amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Gantz, a centrist political figure and a key rival of Netanyahu, made the trip to the United States for talks with American officials as tensions between the two nations escalated over how to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and plan for the post-war future of the region.

Sources within Netanyahu’s Likud party revealed that Gantz’s visit was not sanctioned by the Prime Minister, leading to a stern conversation between the two leaders. Netanyahu emphasized that there is only one prime minister in Israel, indicating his disapproval of Gantz’s diplomatic move.

During his visit, Gantz is slated to meet with top U.S. officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The purpose of his visit, as stated by his National Unity Party, is to strengthen ties with the U.S., garner support for Israel’s military operations, and advocate for the release of Israeli hostages.

Meanwhile, discussions are underway in Egypt to broker a ceasefire ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Notably, Israel opted not to send a delegation to the talks until they received clarification from Hamas regarding the status of Israeli hostages and the conditions for their release. In response to the deteriorating situation in Gaza, the United States initiated airdrops of aid into the region, bypassing logistical challenges and restrictions imposed by Israel. However, aid officials argue that airdrops are less effective than traditional ground deliveries.

The rift between Netanyahu and Gantz reflects broader discontent within Israeli society regarding the handling of the conflict with Hamas. Netanyahu’s popularity has waned in recent months, with many Israelis holding him responsible for failing to prevent Hamas’ cross-border raid in October, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostages.

While Netanyahu advocates for maintaining Israeli security control over Gaza, the U.S. is pushing for progress towards the creation of a Palestinian state, a vision opposed by hardliners within Netanyahu’s government. Gantz’s visit to the U.S. comes amidst growing calls for early elections in Israel, with thousands of protestors taking to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the crisis.

As tensions persist and casualties mount on both sides, the international community remains engaged in efforts to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further violence. White House senior adviser Amos Hochstein’s upcoming visit to Lebanon underscores the urgency of regional diplomacy to mitigate tensions along Israel’s borders. Amidst the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, the rift between Israeli leaders adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile situation, raising questions about the future of Israeli leadership and the prospects for peace in the region.

As reported by AP News in their recent article