Increasing pressure on Netanyahu to plan for Gaza beyond war

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Wednesday that continued Israeli refusal to advance a viable plan for the post-war management of Gaza will lead to a never-ending war in the enclave.

“In the absence of a plan for the day after, there won’t be a day after,” Blinken summarised at a press conference in Moldova.

The US has sought to advance its own plan for the “day after” that would see a reformed Palestinian Authority gradually regain control of Gaza with help from Israel’s Arab allies.

Arab states such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have repeatedly made clear that they will only assist in the post-war stabilisation of Gaza if it is part of a pathway to a future Palestinian state.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the international push to hand Gaza over the PA but he is increasingly isolated in his promotion of a continuing war under the slogan of "absolute victory".

A major gulf is developing between Netanyahu and the Israel security establishment, who argue that the PA is the only viable alternative to Hamas.

Security chiefs say IDF troops have been forced to return repeatedly to areas they previously cleared of Hamas operatives because there has been no alternative force established in that territory to replace the terror group.

Netanyahu’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and key partner in the war cabinet, Benny Gantz have also expressed concerns about the lack of a post-war plan for Gaza. Both have questioned Netanyahu’s motives for continuing the war, saying he was advancing personal and political agendas rather than acting in Israel’s interests.

Gantz has set June 8 as a deadline for Netanyahu to outline a vision for Gaza after the war, saying he will leave the coalition if there is not a clear vision articulated then. As the leader of the Blue and White party and leading preferred prime minister in the polls, Gantz's departure could increase public pressure for an early election.

Another war cabinet member Gadi Eisenkot told the media this week that the idea of complete victory was “nothing more than a slogan”.

"Anyone who says that we'll disband a few battalions in Rafah and then bring back the hostages is sowing a false illusion," he said. "This is a much more complex event. The truth is it will take three to five years to stabilise".

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Blinken: In the absence of Israeli plan for day after, there won’t be a day after (Times of Israel)

Hanegbi: Fighting in Gaza will continue for at least another seven months (Jerusalem Post)

‘Together we will win’? Israel’s leaders need to get the message, fast (Times of Israel)

Israel's 'high-intensity' operations are almost over. But Netanyahu doesn't want the Gaza War to end (Haaretz)