Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel’s war Cabinet, announced his resignation on Sunday, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s mismanagement of the war effort and prioritization of his own political survival over the country’s security needs. Gantz, a former military chief, had been a crucial figure in the government, boosting Israel’s credibility with international partners through his good working relations with US officials.
Gantz’s Resignation Does Not Immediately Threaten Netanyahu’s Majority
Kavul 24: Although Gantz’s departure does not immediately pose a threat to Netanyahu’s majority coalition in parliament, it does increase the Israeli leader’s reliance on far-right allies who oppose the latest US-backed cease-fire proposal and want to continue the war. This could lead to a more contentious and divisive political landscape in Israel.
Gantz Criticizes Netanyahu’s Handling of the War
In his resignation statement, Gantz accused Netanyahu of making “empty promises” and preventing the country from achieving a true victory in the war. He expressed frustration that the ongoing fighting would continue for years to come, and that the country needed to take a different direction. Gantz also called for Israel to hold elections in the fall and encouraged Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to resign from the government as well.
Gantz’s Departure Follows a Series of Tensions with Netanyahu
Gantz had previously threatened to leave the government by June 8 if Netanyahu did not formulate a new plan for postwar Gaza. His resignation comes after a planned news conference was scrapped on Saturday night following the dramatic rescue of four Israeli hostages from Gaza.
The operation marked Israel’s largest such rescue since the eight-month war began, during which at least 274 Palestinians, including children, were killed, according to Gaza health officials.
Netanyahu Urges Unity Amidst Growing Tensions
In response to Gantz’s resignation, Netanyahu urged unity and warned against division. “This is the time for unity, not for division,” he said in a direct plea to Gantz. The Israeli leader’s appeal came as the country grapples with the ongoing conflict and the potential long-term implications of Gantz’s departure from the war Cabinet.
