Netanyahu pushes back against minister’s adoption of US position as some goverment ministers call Galant a subversive who needs to be fired.

In a surprising and controversial move, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant declared that Israel should not control Gaza in the post-conflict scenario, urging preparation for handing over control to the Palestinians. This statement, made without coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and adopting the unpopular US position, has sparked significant political turmoil.

During a security conference, Galant stated, “Israel must not control Gaza in the ‘day after.’ We must prepare for an orderly handover to a Palestinian entity.” This deviation from established government policy was met with immediate backlash from Netanyahu, who asserted that Galant’s comments were inappropriate and undermined the unified stance of the Israeli government.

Netanyahu responded firmly, emphasizing the importance of government solidarity, especially during times of conflict. “Galant’s unilateral statements are not only inappropriate but also subversive. Israel’s security and strategic decisions must be made collectively, not through isolated declarations,” Netanyahu remarked during a cabinet meeting. He said he would not countenance replacing “Hamastan with Fatahstan” referring to the PLO’s main faction name.

This discord between the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister has raised suspicions about external influences and political maneuvering. Some analysts suggest that Galant’s statements align closely with the US and EU positions, which advocate for a two-state solution and emphasize the need for Palestinian self-governance.

Galant has done something similar once before, adopting the positions of the opponents of the government’s legal reform. Then Netanyahu sacked him, before massive public demonstrations caused the PM to reconsider his dismissal.

An unnamed senior official in the Netanyahu administration implied that Galant might have been swayed by international pressures, following a call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “It’s clear that there are foreign interests at play here. Galant’s rhetoric mirrors the positions we’ve been hearing from Washington and Brussels. This raises questions about his motives and allegiances,” the official stated.

The US and EU have indeed been vocal about their stance on Gaza. Blinken recently reiterated, “We believe a sustainable peace requires a Palestinian entity governing Gaza. Israel’s long-term security depends on this transition.” Similarly, an EU spokesperson noted, “The international community stands ready to support a responsible and peaceful handover of Gaza to Palestinian authorities.”

Further complicating the situation are rumors of Galant potentially aligning with Benny Gantz, a known political rival of Netanyahu, to form a coalition against the current Prime Minister. Gantz, leader of the Blue and White party, has previously expressed support for a more conciliatory approach towards the Palestinians, contrasting Netanyahu’s hardline policies.

Galant’s unexpected declaration and the subsequent political fallout underscore the volatile nature of Israeli politics. With international pressures mounting and internal dissent simmering, Netanyahu faces the challenge of maintaining a unified front, or biting the bullet and replacing the unruly defense minister. His rogue stance not only questions the coherence of Israel’s strategic policy but also hints at deeper political machinations that could reshape the nation’s leadership landscape.