Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser for the White House, has updated Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on productive discussions held with Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. The US statement also notes that the two touched upon the conflict in Gaza. During the conversation, Mr Sullivan shared potential opportunities for both Israel and the Palestinian people that emerged from his Saudi Arabia visit.
Additionally, they discussed the Gaza war and the urgent requirement to reduce civilian casualties. Mr Sullivan emphasised the need for Israel to link its military actions to a political strategy that aims for a long-term defeat of Hamas, the release of all hostages, and an enhanced future for Gaza.
Following the briefing with Mr Netanyahu, there were reports of a potential resignation from a member of Israel’s three-member war cabinet over the lack of a new strategy for the Gaza conflict. Such an exit could increase Mr Netanyahu’s dependence on his ultra-conservative allies.
Centrist member of Israel’s war cabinet, Benny Gantz, escalated the internal divide in Israel’s leadership that’s been ongoing for over seven months into the war. Gantz unveiled a six-pronged plan that entails returning the hostages, dismantling the rule of Hamas, demilitarising the Gaza Strip, and creating an international civilian administration. The plan, which he expects to be implemented by June 8th, also states the need to normalise ties with Saudi Arabia and extend military service to all Israelis.
Gantz stated if they continue on a path of fanaticism leading their nation into an abyss, he’d have no choice but to leave the government. Mr Netanyahu countered by accusing Gantz of giving an ultimatum to him rather than Hamas, and labelled his conditions as euphemism for Israel’s defeat.