Won't support Netanyahu again, party needs change: Senior Likud minister plans to run against Israeli PM

As the war between Israel and Hamas is close to entering its second month, a senior member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party Likud has announced his intentions to challenge the latter’s 18-year-old leadership, saying the party “needs change”. Economy Minister Nir Barkat said, “I won’t support Netanyahu again. After the war, we must turn to the people and get its trust anew. Likud needs change.” “I’m acting in accordance with an agenda, and it is nearing its end," Barkat added while addressing Likud activists last week at a bike store in Kiryat Gat. According to a report by public broadcaster Kan, Barkat has expressed his intention to run for the leadership of the Likud Party even if Netanyahu doesn’t step down. Responding to the Kan report, Barkat said, “I don’t intend to cooperate with political officials who have an ulterior motive. It is no secret that I have professional criticism that relates to the issue of the budget, which I believe will be solved.” Israel-Hamas war update Israel has intensified its attacks in southern Gaza to fight Hamas terrorists in the region. Israeli tanks, armoured personnel carriers and bulldozers were seen on Monday near the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis. Amid this, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that the country’s expanding ground operations is a “complex situation” but they have “no choice” but to fight Hamas if they want to defeat them. So far, Israel has been focussing on northern Gaza, urging Palestinians living in the region to move south for their safety. However, last week the military dropped leaflets in northern Gaza asking residents to flee the region.