Benjamin Netanyahu gave a sharp response to the fierce criticism of Benny Gantz with a statement issued by the prime minister’s office. “He sent an ultimatum to the prime minister instead of issuing an ultimatum to Hamas” was Netanyahu’s typical response.

Specifically, Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that Gantz’s demands would mean “the end of the war and defeat for Israel, the release of the majority of hostages, leaving Hamas in power and the creation of a Palestinian state.”

If Ganj is truly prioritizing the national interest rather than overthrowing the government, the prime minister’s office continues, he needs to answer three questions:

  • Does Gantz want the Rafah operation over, and if so, why is he threatening to topple the unity government during the IDF operation?
  • Does he oppose Palestinian Authority rule in Gaza, even if Mahmoud Abbas is not involved?
  • Would he support a Palestinian state as part of a normalization process with Saudi Arabia?

“Prime Minister Netanyahu is determined to eliminate the ranks of Hamas,” the statement said, “he opposes the Palestinian Authority’s involvement in Gaza and the establishment of a Palestinian state that will inevitably be a state of terror.”

“Netanyahu,” the statement continued, “believes that a unity government is the key to achieving the war objectives, “and expects Gantz to make his positions on these issues clear to the public.”