Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern declaration, characterizing every Hamas member as “a dead man” following the inaugural meeting of Israel’s emergency government.
Alongside him on the next step against Hamas is opposition figure Benny Gantz who proclaimed that it was “a time for war.”
However, U.S. President Joe Biden intervened, stating that he had communicated with Prime Minister Netanyahu and emphasized that Israel must adhere to the rules of war. The death toll in Israel has surged to 1,200, with over 1,100 casualties resulting from Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.
President Biden expressed an understanding of the Israeli people’s anger and frustration while urging Israel to uphold the principles of the Geneva Conventions. He also issued a warning to Iran, which had welcomed the Hamas attack, to exercise caution.
Earlier on that day, Netanyahu and Gantz set aside their acrimonious political rivalry, which had triggered widespread protests. Gantz assured Israeli citizens that the newly-formed government was “united” and prepared to “eliminate this entity called Hamas from the face of the Earth.”
The newly established interim cabinet, in addition to Netanyahu and Gantz, includes the centrist National Unity Party leader, a former defense minister, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The main opposition leader, Yair Lapid, did not join this alliance, but Netanyahu and Gantz announced that a seat would be reserved for him in the war cabinet.
“During the war period, no bills or government decisions will be promoted that do not concern the conduct of the war,” the joint statement declared. “All senior appointments will be automatically extended during the war period.”
The emergency government aims to garner broader national consensus for military actions and brings two military strategy experts to the war cabinet: Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, who joins as an observer and both former Israeli military chiefs of staff.
This new cabinet formation follows devastating attacks by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip, resulting in over 1,200 casualties in Israel since the unexpected Hamas assault on Saturday. Hamas has also taken around 150 people hostage, including elderly individuals and children.
Israel’s military announced that thousands of troops were stationed near the Gaza border, prepared for a potential ground invasion.
In addition to the confrontations with Hamas, Israel has also exchanged fire with the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and forces in Syria.
Earlier this week, Defense Minister Gallant announced a retaliatory siege of the Palestinian territory, leading to a halt in energy, water, and food supplies. Over 1,000 people have perished in Gaza due to air strikes thus far.
The formation of a unity government in Israel has been welcomed by ministers, including Itamar Ben Gvir, who handles national security.
“Congratulations on the unity; now we have to win,” he posted on social media.
The decision for Netanyahu and Gantz to work together follows months of protests against the prime minister and his government’s efforts to implement contentious judicial reforms. The demonstrators received support from Netanyahu’s political adversaries, former top officials in Israel’s military and security services, former chief justices, legal figures, business leaders, and other prominent figures.
Hundreds of military reservists, including air force pilots critical to Israel’s defense, had threatened to refuse service, raising concerns about its military capabilities.
Last month, Israel’s Supreme Court convened to address petitions challenging one of the government’s legal amendments aimed at limiting the court’s powers.
