HEADLINES
- Benny Gantz to Announce Exit from Israeli Government Amid Heightened Tensions
- Israel's Gaza Rescue Operation Draws International Condemnation; Over 200 Gazans Dead
- Hamas Denies Reports of Egypt, Qatar Hostage Deal Threats Amid Ongoing Conflict

The time is now 10:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the latest developments surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, National Unity party chairman Benny Gantz is expected to announce his exit from the government at a rescheduled press conference this evening. Initially, Gantz planned to make the announcement last night but delayed it due to the rescue of four hostages from Gaza. This rescue operation, conducted by Israeli forces, has heightened tensions within the Israeli government.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Gantz to remain, emphasizing the need for national unity. Despite this, Gantz has reiterated his concerns about the ongoing challenges Israel faces and the necessity of making responsible decisions moving forward. Gantz had previously issued an ultimatum to Netanyahu, demanding a clear plan for the Gaza conflict, and his party had submitted legislation to dissolve the Knesset, indicating the alliance's fragility. The exit of Gantz's party is not expected to topple the government but will likely shift the balance of power, increasing the influence of Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners.

In Gaza, the rescue operation has sparked international reactions. European Union officials condemned the mission, describing it as an "appalling massacre" and calling for an immediate end to the violence. The operation, which resulted in the deaths of over 200 Gazans, has drawn criticism from the United Nations as well, with accusations of "humanitarian camouflage" being leveled against Israel. Despite these condemnations, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have stated that the intensity of military operations will not decrease but rather increase.

Amid these developments, Hamas sources have denied reports that Egypt and Qatar threatened to arrest their leaders if they did not agree to a proposed hostage deal. The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported that these countries, under pressure from the Biden administration, had issued such threats. Hamas has signaled its likely rejection of the deal, which includes a three-phase negotiation process starting with a six-week truce.

The ongoing conflict, which began with a massive attack by Hamas on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and the abduction of numerous hostages. The situation remains fluid, with continued military operations and complex diplomatic negotiations taking place.

In related news, an Al Jazeera journalist and his physician father have been accused by Palestinians of holding Israeli hostage Noa Argamani. This revelation came during a rescue operation where Israeli forces reportedly killed three family members involved in the extraction. The journalist had been documenting what he termed as "IDF atrocities" and called the October 7 massacre a "courageous operation."

In other regional developments, Iran has announced the approval of six candidates for the upcoming presidential election following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi. The election is scheduled for June 28, with candidates including former Revolutionary Guards commanders and prominent politicians.

Meanwhile, the United States has provided Israel with intelligence that significantly aided the recent rescue operation in Gaza. This cooperation underscores the ongoing strategic partnership between the two nations amidst the conflict.

The situation remains highly volatile, with significant political and military implications for both Israel and the broader region. As events continue to unfold, the international...

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09 Jun 2024