ALBAWABA - Israeli War Cabinet member Benny Gantz said that until a prisoner exchange deal is struck with Hamas, Benjamin Netanyahu's government may fall.
Social media accounts claim that Gantz addressed statements made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who claimed that if the government gave up on its plans for occupation, it would have no purpose for existing.
Gantz stressed in his message how urgent it is to get people who have been detained back to their homes and gave their release priority over other issues.
Gantz emphasised that achieving a consensus that does not necessitate terminating the fight is crucial, but he also pointed out that failing to do so might compromise the stability of the government.
A prisoner swap agreement with Hamas was recently challenged by Israeli far-right minister Smotrich, who called it a "humiliating surrender" to the Nazis. He further emphasised that Refah's occupation is a prerequisite for Netanyahu's government's survival.
Following an emergency government agreement between Netanyahu and opposition leader Benny Gantz on October 11, the War Cabinet was constituted, with five members including Gantz.
Due to Israeli bombardment, the population of Refah, which is in southern Gaza and close to the Egyptian border, has significantly increased as many Palestinians have sought safety there.
The number of displaced people has outgrown the capacity of the city, forcing people to camp in temporary shelters and engage in a survival fight.
Israeli bombings regularly target Refah, and there are worries that a ground invasion would deny Gazans a place to hide out.
