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Gantz: Israeli Generals Seek Peace the Most

Benny Gantz | Photo: EPA
Benny Gantz | Photo: EPA
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Gantz: Israeli Generals Seek Peace the Most

Benny Gantz | Photo: EPA
Benny Gantz | Photo: EPA

“I spent about 38 years fighting in the Israeli army. And believe me, the generals in the army, who have seen and experienced the horrors of war, are the ones who want peace the most,” said Israel's Defense Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Gantz tackled a multitude of questions about peace in the Middle East and revealed that he had already been to a majority of Arab states with clandestine visits as part of his military service and said he would love to go on an official tour.

On the issue of Jerusalem, Gantz stressed that he "believes in the full equality for Arab citizens and their participation in government," and that the city must remain undivided.

He, however, noted that there will be room for a Palestinian capital.

“Jerusalem must stay united, but it will have place for a Palestinian capital,” he said. “It's a vast city, filled with sites that are holy to all of us.”

“We want the Palestinians to have a suitable geographical extension that enables them to lead a comfortable life without obstacles,” he explained.

Gantz also said that he does not see peace in the Middle East without settling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict first. The centrist leader added that Israel will not withdraw to pre-1967 borders but the sides can reach a compromise.

Speaking on the subject of peacemaking and normalization of ties between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, Gantz said that the Palestinians must remain actively involved.

"I want Palestinians to be part of the peace process. The push for normalization within the Arab world is a great and real opportunity," he said.

He warned against what he called the "Iranian axis" in the region, saying it posed a threat for both Israel and Arab states and pointing at countries like Syria and Lebanon as examples of its corruptive influence.

These days, Gantz is fighting a bitter battle with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that could topple the government and lead to early elections.

Early elections can prove detrimental for the Blue and White centrist party which is led by Gantz.

Despite the ruinous prospects for the party, Gantz is being pressured into rejecting Netanyahu’s conditions and exiting the government.

It is worth noting that the interview with Gantz took place in his office at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv and at the height of the tug-of-war going on between him and Netanyahu.

Both, Netanyahu and Gantz were hoping for the other to make concessions before time ran out and they were faced with unwanted early elections.

Gantz, for his part, predicted that the status quo will remain the same given that Netanyahu is showing no willingness whatsoever to settle disputes.

He considered running in the elections a “matter of national responsibility.”

Even though prospects are dim for the Blue and White party, Gantz sounded optimistic about the tables turning.

“Twenty percent of the electorate has not decided how to vote. I believe that we will get a third of them, and that we will take back a portion of the voters who left us,” he noted.

When asked about Israel’s economic and political stability, Gantz said he doesn’t believe that it was in danger.

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Interviews

UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.