The IDF released for publication the names of five soldiers who fell in battle yesterday (Wednesday) in Gaza. The five are Sergeant Roy Beit Yaakov, 22, from Eli; Staff Sergeant Gilad Aryeh Boim, 22, from Karnei Shomron; Sergeant Daniel Hamo, 20, from Tiberias; Staff Sergeant Betzalel David Shashua, 21, from Tel Aviv; and Sergeant Ilan Cohen, 20, from Karmiel. All of them were from the Paratroopers Brigade in the 202nd Division, and fell in the northern Gaza Strip.
Earlier in the day, Gallant announced the need to create an 'alternative entity' to rule the Gaza Strip and declared that an Israeli military administration is not an option. This led to widespread criticism from the public and among IDF reservists of Defense Minister Gallant.
Gallant made the announcement at a public security briefing and press conference held Wednesday evening. In his announcement, Gallant declared that Israel needs to 'make tough decisions' and 'create a local Palestinian alternative' because an Israeli military administration in the Gaza Strip being 'a bad choice’.
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In addition, Gallant spoke about Israel's relationship with America. He said, “As in the past, in this war as well, we rely on the United States. Our relationship with America is vital, strong, and stable. There are disagreements, but I want to be clear: the United States was the first to stand by our side, in actions not just words, and it continues to stand by our side today. We will resolve our differences in behind closed doors, and not through public interviews or tweets.”
Following Gallant’s remarks, other Members of Knesset and officials criticized him and called for his resignation. The father of Sergeant Uri Mordechai Shani Z”L, a commander in the Golani Brigade who was killed near Kissufim Junction on October. 7th, sharply criticized Gallant on Twitter/X: “Minister Gallant! I refuse to call you the Defense Minister, because since you have been entrusted with our defense, there has been no defense and no security. Tonight you set a new low. In the middle of the war, you made this outrageous declaration that terror should rule in Gaza. Did my son die for this? The blood of our children cries out from Mount Herzl. Resign tonight!”
In addition, Yehoshua Shani appeared on Channel 14’s program and said that over 100 grieving families had contacted him and expressed their support.
Many IDF soldiers have posted messages calling for Gallant’s resignation, some even from within Gaza. A soldier in the Carmeli Brigade photographed himself inside Gaza standing next to a sign reading “Gallant go home! Carmeli doesn't fight for Arab control.”
It was recently revealed that at the same time as IDF soldiers are risking their lives in Gaza and on the northern border, a think tank funded by the New Israel Fund and the Germany Friedrich Foundation is working to establish a Palestinian state and shaping the thinking of the Israeli left.
The main approaches suggested towards establishing a Palestinian state are to exert international pressure on Israel, especially from the United States, condemning Netanyahu and the ‘settlers' as being Hamas supporters responsible for the catastrophe, and denying the Palestinian Authority’s support for terrorism.
“Expanding American and international recognition of a Palestinian state,” headlines a document by the Mitvim Institute. “This is a central step towards formulating the day after, and establishing facts on the ground. Such declarations may move the parties towards implementing a 'two-state solution,' counteract attempts at annexation, and deepen international commitment to a diplomatic solution.”
The left-wing campaign to pressure internationally on Israel, also includes its emphasis on so-called ‘settler violence,’ is also influencing policy in Britain, which released a plan to recognize a Palestinian state and force such a state on Israel.
Elsewhere, diplomatic pressure to establish a Palestinian state has also been intensifying. Already three months ago, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said his country was considering recognizing a Palestinian state alongside their allies and the UN.
In an article published in "Times of Israel" two months ago, Nadav Tamir, Director of the left-wing JStreet’s Israel branch and a trustee at the Mitvim Institute, called on the US president to move beyond calling for a diplomatic solution and instead “move against Netanyahu and his government's stubbornness and rage.” Tamir called on the US to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state.
Finally, one week ago, the UN passed a decision granting Palestine status as a full member without voting rights at the UN. The decision passed with a majority of 143 states in favor and nine states opposed. Twenty five countries abstained. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan criticized the decision and publicly tore up the UN charter from the podium. Likewise, the Israeli government announced its rejecting of the UN decision.
