ALBAWABA - Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz is expected to quit from the interim cabinet tomorrow, Saturday, amid mounting dissent over Gaza crisis management, according to the official Israeli television.
On Thursday, sources said Netanyahu might abolish the war council if Gantz resigns. The State Camp, Gantz's party, will discuss this vital choice.
Gantz's deadline for a coherent plan to guarantee an Israeli "victory" in Gaza expired. A strategy has not been offered since last month's deadline.
The official broadcaster said that the US wants Gantz to rethink his resignation as a key ally. Families of Gaza inmates also want Gantz to stay until a prisoner swap agreement is reached.
The Prime Minister's office has organized a large cabinet meeting on Sunday, a day after Gantz's deadline to resign if no deal is reached.
Netanyahu was given an ultimatum by Gantz on May 18 to develop a Gaza combat plan by June 8. Undermining Hamas' power, disarming the Gaza Strip, creating a European-Arab alliance for regional government, repatriating northern inhabitants, and requiring universal military duty for Israelis are his goals.
According to a Maariv survey, Gantz leads Netanyahu in possible elections. The study shows 42% of Israelis support Gantz as PM, compared to 34% for Netanyahu.
In a Friday Maariv survey, 42% of respondents preferred Gantz as Prime Minister over Netanyahu, who received 34%.
