Netanyahu, Gantz form emergency unity government in Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Benny Gantz announced Wednesday the formation of an emergency unity government.

A joint statement said a war management cabinet will be established, made up of Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Gantz, a former defense minister.

Two observers will serve in the cabinet -- lawmaker Gadi Eisenkot and the Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.

"Five ministers without portfolio from Gantz's bloc will be added to the political-security cabinet, with one of them as an observer for the duration of the war," it said.

"During the war period, no bills or government decisions will be promoted that do not pertain to the conduct of the war, and all senior appointments will be automatically extended during the war period."

In a dramatic escalation of Mideast tensions, Israeli forces launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip in response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories.

The conflict began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel -- a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea and air.

Hamas said its attack was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, and Israeli settlers' growing violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip in response.

Israel's response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.

At least 2,300 people have been killed in the current bout of violence, including at least 1,055 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis.