Lapid, Gantz Refuse Proposal to Join Netanyahu’s Govt

From left, the presidents of Guinea, France and Israel at the climate summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh (AFP)
From left, the presidents of Guinea, France and Israel at the climate summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh (AFP)
TT
20

Lapid, Gantz Refuse Proposal to Join Netanyahu’s Govt

From left, the presidents of Guinea, France and Israel at the climate summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh (AFP)
From left, the presidents of Guinea, France and Israel at the climate summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh (AFP)

Israel’s Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced their rejection of forming a national unity government led by Benjamin Netanyahu.

Informed sources said that forming a unity government is the best way out for Israel from having a far-right government, which will inevitably involve it in clashes with western countries and with the American Democratic Party and US President Joe Biden’s administration.

Netanyahu's allies from the far-right, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are imposing conditions on the government that could cause a major shift in the political and security situation.

Among their proposals are canceling the separation plan in the northern West Bank, rebuilding four abandoned settlements, and expanding the settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, as well as enacting a law that prevents the judiciary and the Supreme Court from repealing laws.

They also call for adopting a stricter policy in dealing with the Arab citizens of Israel, canceling the privileges agreed upon with the Palestinian prisoners, and imposing Israeli sovereignty over the settlements and others.

The sources said that Netanyahu had expected his allies to practice political blackmail before forming the government, but he was surprised by the extent of these demands.

He told the press that he “does not rule out forming a government with the Liberals and even with the United Arab List, led by MK Mansour Abbas.”

The sources noted that the proposal would be a kind of threat and intimidation to these allies.

Meanwhile, several media outlets reported Tuesday that President Isaac Herzog has spoken with incoming prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Lapid and Gantz to encourage them to form a broad national unity government.

Sources told Ynet that Herzog met with Lapid and Gantz to urge them to join Netanyahu's next government and prevent the participation of far-right lawmakers.

But Herzog’s office denied the reports, saying that there had not been any such contact with party leaders.

“The president did not approach or suggest to the party chiefs that they join this or that government,” his office said.

Lapid and Gantz also said there had been no such contact from the president.

“The government I am leading has lost the elections. Whoever believes in Israeli democracy when he wins, must also believe in it when he loses,” Lapid said, stressing that there is no way he or Gantz would join the incoming government.

Gantz’s National Unity, for its part, affirmed that Gantz will join the opposition.

“Israel is facing many challenges, including dealing with a new government, which is reliant on far-right Knesset members,” the statement read.

“We have decided to continue to solidify the National Unity camp as a meaningful movement in the center of Israel's politics. We respect the decision of voters and once a new government is sworn in, we will serve in the opposition in a responsible manner.”

Netanyahu had expressed his delight over the phone call by Biden, who congratulated him on his election victory.

After the call, Netanyahu wrote on Twitter that he told Biden they can “achieve more peace agreements and deal with the threat of Iranian aggression.”

“President Biden called me and congratulated me on winning the elections. He affirmed that the alliance between Israel and the United States is stronger than ever. And I thanked him for his personal friendship that extended for 40 years and his commitment to the State of Israel.”

According to the Likud party, Biden told Netanyahu during the 8-minute call that his commitment to Israel is “unquestionable.”



UN Calls for Independent Probe into Civilians Harmed Trying to Get Food in Gaza

 Palestinians carry bags filled with food and humanitarian aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians carry bags filled with food and humanitarian aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)
TT
20

UN Calls for Independent Probe into Civilians Harmed Trying to Get Food in Gaza

 Palestinians carry bags filled with food and humanitarian aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians carry bags filled with food and humanitarian aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday slammed as "unacceptable" the deaths of Palestinians seeking food aid in Gaza, a spokesman said, calling the loss of life in the territory "unthinkable".

"The Secretary-General continues to call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for the perpetrators to be held to account," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

"We are witnessing unthinkable loss of life in Gaza (and) the secretary-general condemns the loss of lives and injuries of Palestinians seeking aid," he said. "It is unacceptable civilians are risking and in several instances losing their lives just trying to get food."

At least 27 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded by Israeli fire near a food distribution site in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, local health authorities said, in the third day of chaos and bloodshed to affect the aid operation.

A spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross told Reuters that its field hospital in Rafah received 184 casualties, adding that 19 of those were declared dead upon arrival, and eight died of their wounds shortly after.

The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation launched its first distribution sites last week in an effort to alleviate widespread hunger amongst Gaza's war-battered population, most of whom have had to abandon their homes to flee fighting.

The Foundation's aid plan, which bypasses traditional aid groups, has come under fierce criticism from the United Nations and established charities which say it does not follow humanitarian principles.

The private group, which is endorsed by Israel, said it distributed 21 truckloads of food early on Tuesday and that the aid operation was "conducted safely and without incident within the site".

However, there have been reports of repeated killings near Rafah as crowds gather to get desperately needed supplies.

On Sunday, Palestinian and international officials reported that at least 31 people were killed and dozens more injured. On Monday, three more Palestinians were reportedly killed by Israeli fire.

The Israeli military has denied targeting civilians gathering for aid and called reports of deaths during Sunday’s distribution "fabrications" by Hamas.