Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Defense Minister Benny Gantz have formed an emergency government.
This move comes after five days of attacks from Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu’s coalition already controls 64 out of 120 seats in Parliament.
Adding Gantz’s party increases that number to 76 seats. Yair Lapid, the main opposition leader, isn’t in this new coalition.
However, he has been offered a spot in the war cabinet. The formation of this emergency government shows how serious the conflict with Hamas has become.
Over 1,200 people in Israel have died due to the conflict, including 169 soldiers. Hamas has fired rockets, and Israel has responded with airstrikes on Gaza.
The airstrikes have killed at least 1,055 people and injured 5,184 in Gaza, according to local reports.
Israel also clashed with Hezbollah, a group aligned with Hamas, on its border with Lebanon.
Meanwhile, rockets targeted various parts of Israel. One hit a medical facility in Ashkelon, but no one was hurt.
The conflict has caught global attention. The United States is sending more military aid to Israel, its ally.
Other world leaders like Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, have also spoken about the crisis.
In summary, the new emergency government highlights the intensity of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
This war affects Israel and Gaza and could lead to wider regional instability. Therefore, there’s an urgent need for a peaceful resolution.