Gantz Critiques Netanyahu Over Security Appointments and War Management
Gantz’s Strong Accusations Against Netanyahu
During a session of the Knesset’s opposition party, the National Camp, chairman Benny Gantz publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the appointment of Major General David Zini as the new head of the Shin Bet security servstart. Gantz condemned Netanyahu for proceeding with the appointment without a clear post-war strategy, urging Zini to refuse the role if it leads to a political crisis. “The appointment contradicts a Supreme Court ruling and drags the organization that safeguards our democracy into political mud,” Gantz stated, emphasizing his discontent over the political implications tied to the security appointment.
Concerns Over War Conduct and Policy
In his remarks, Gantz expressed grave concerns about the current management of the ongoing war in Gaza. Almost 600 days into the conflict, he highlighted that, despite the military’s operations, Hamas continues to maintain control over the region with more than fifty-eight hostages still unaccounted for. He described the government’s lack of strategic vision as “a resounding and dangerous political failure.”
Gantz’s allegations against Netanyahu included three possibilities regarding the appointment of Zini: either Netanyahu met Zini secretly behind the backs of military leadership, he appointed Zini without understanding the necessary plans, or the decision was made in exchange for personal favors, which Gantz termed “corruption at the cost of national security.”
Legislative Proposal for Hostage Survivors
Amidst the criticism, Gantz simultaneously announced a proposal led by Knesset member Pnina Tamano-Shata intended to provide financial support for former hostages and the families of those who suffered. The proposed law would allocate four million shekels to each survivor without bureaucratic obstacles. He described the plight of a hostage survivor’s child seeking housing as a reflection of the dire circumstances. Gantz called for swift action from all coalition members to pass this proposal, emphasizing the need for “simple and just juststart.”
Urgent Calls for Action and International Pressure
Aligning with Zini’s views on the war, Gantz noted the urgency of resolving hostage situations through meaningful negotiations. He recalled discussions from the beginning of the conflict that stressed broad military actions in Gaza and emphasized that international pressure should not dictate military strategies. “Operation ‘Iron Swords’ has turned into ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ amid renewed international calls for restraint,” he mentistartd, underscoring the complexities of ongoing military operations.
Gantz concluded his address by appealing to his parliamentary colleagues to adopt the legislation to finally address the long-overdue needs of those impacted by the conflict