Israeli Government Divisions Emerge Amid Post-War Planning

In a startling turn of events, divisions within the Israeli government were laid bare on Friday, with heated debates unfolding among cabinet members regarding the post-war future of Gaza and the handling of investigations into security lapses surrounding Hamas' October 7 attacks.

The public discord followed a reportedly contentious meeting of the security cabinet on Thursday, described by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as a "stormy discussion," while former Defense Minister Benny Gantz labeled it a "politically motivated attack."

The disagreements underscore the fault lines within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition after three months of conflict with Hamas, raising concerns that a collapse of the government could lead to new elections, which Netanyahu is widely expected to face with uncertainty.

The security cabinet rift centered on investigations into the October 7 Hamas attack and the future prosecution of the war. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant presented a comprehensive plan titled "The Day After," outlining a new combat approach focused on targeting Hamas leaders in southern Gaza and a multifaceted campaign in northern Gaza involving raids, tunnel destruction, aerial and ground activities, and special operations.

Gallant also introduced the idea of a US-led multinational task force for the rehabilitation of the Gaza Strip. However, the plan provided limited details on the future governance of the territory, emphasizing that the Palestinian entity controlling the area would build on the capabilities of local non-hostile actors.

The proposal triggered a fiery discussion, with Transportation Minister Miri Regev reportedly launching a strong critique after a break in the meeting. Gantz, who joined the government from the opposition after October 7, criticized the lack of focus on strategic processes during the meeting and urged Netanyahu to prioritize unity and security over politics.

In response, Netanyahu's Likud party accused Gantz of irresponsibility during a time of unity, emphasizing the need to fulfill commitments to remain in the unity government until the end of the war.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right member advocating for the resettlement of Gazans outside the enclave, criticized Gallant's plan on social media, suggesting a need for a new approach and encouraging voluntary migration.

The controversial comments from Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who also supports resettlement, have drawn international condemnation, with the US State Department calling them "inflammatory and irresponsible." Other foreign officials, including the EU's foreign policy chief and the UN's human rights chief, expressed deep concern over forced displacements and the potential violation of international law.

As tensions spill out in public, the Israeli government faces challenges in reconciling differing views on the post-war strategy for Gaza, further complicating the already intricate situation in the region.