Israel’s centrist War Cabinet Minister, Benny Gantz, announced his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency government and called for new elections.
This decision came amid rising tensions and criticism of Netanyahu’s handling of ongoing conflicts and political affairs.
In response to Gantz’s resignation, Netanyahu released a statement emphasizing the critical nature of Israel’s current situation, stating, “Israel is in an existential war on several fronts. Benny, this is not the time to abandon the campaign.”
During a televised press conference, Gantz accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over a ceasefire deal that could secure the release of approximately 100 hostages held in Gaza.
He asserted, “Unfortunately, Netanyahu is preventing us from advancing toward the real victory. Strategic decisions are met with hesitation due to political considerations.” Reflecting the increasing public protests against Netanyahu’s government, Gantz called for new elections in the fall and urged Netanyahu to set an agreed date to hold them, adding, “Don’t let our people be torn apart.”
Gantz’s resignation marked a significant shift in the political landscape, as it left Netanyahu’s far-right coalition with extremist ministers like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who advocate for reoccupying the Gaza Strip and expanding Israeli settlements there.
This move followed a May ultimatum Gantz issued to Netanyahu, demanding a clear post-conflict strategy for Gaza, where Israel has been conducting a fatal assault, and an agreement to a hostage-ceasefire deal.