What kind of impact do you think Benny Gantz's departure
might make on the Israeli Defense Forces strategy?
Well, Frederica, I'm not sure it'll change much in a
material way in terms of the IDF strategy.
I do, however, think that it will have significant impact
on the Prime Minister's legitimacy both domestically and internationally.
As your correspondent said, the the presence of Benny Gantz
in the War Cabinet had granted the cabinet that legitimacy,
given it the sense of representing a national consensus.
His departure makes that go away.
And I think it is certainly likely,
as your correspondent said, that.
That the influence of the far right ministers in Netanyahu's
government will be much more pronounced at this point,
which of course will impact its legitimacy both domestically and
around the world.
And you heard our Paula Hancock's report there that there
was concern that with Benny Gantz's departure,
that might impact hostage negotiations.
And if you agree with that,
to what extent?
I think that's right. Benny Gantz was one of the
main proponents of the proposal that's currently on the table.
We understand it is the Israeli proposal as put forward
by Prime Minister Netanyahu,
endorsed by the Americans, promoted around the world.
We're apparently waiting for Hamas to endorse it.
But there are members of the prime minister's government who
are staunchly opposed to it.
It's Amar Ben Veer, Batsal Smotrich.
2. Right wing ministers have declared their public opposition to
it and have threatened to bolt the government and essentially
bring it down if it is advanced.
And so it is likely at this point.
The Prime Minister will struggle to get it through his
cabinet,
which makes its eventual implementation message like slightly.