Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government on Sunday. This move adds significant domestic pressure on Netanyahu as the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate.
Gantz, a former general and defense minister, announced his resignation from the emergency cabinet after his proposed post-war plan for Gaza failed to gain Netanyahu’s approval, a demand he had been pressing since May.
Gantz’s departure, while unlikely to collapse the government, currently a coalition that includes religious and ultra-nationalist factions—represents the first substantial political setback for Netanyahu eight months into the ongoing war with Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza.
Experts suggest that Netanyahu might now find himself increasingly dependent on his right-wing coalition partners to maintain his grip on power, NDTV Report.
Following Gantz’s resignation, Gadi Eisenkot, another former army chief and member of Gantz’s political party, also exited the war cabinet. This exodus leaves the cabinet with only three members, significantly impacting its composition.
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The war cabinet is responsible for making all critical decisions regarding the conflict, and these resignations mark a notable shift in its dynamic.
“Netanyahu is preventing us from progressing to a real victory. That is why we are leaving the emergency government today with a heavy heart. Don’t let our people be torn apart,” Gantz stated during his announcement.
Prime Minister Netanyahu quickly responded to Gantz’s resignation, stating, “Benny, this is not the time to abandon the battle—this is the time to join forces.” His response was almost immediate, emphasizing the need for unity amidst the ongoing conflict.
Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, also reacted promptly to Gantz’s resignation. Their responses underscore the political tensions and the shifting alliances within the Israeli government as the situation in Gaza continues to unfold.
Gantz’s resignation highlights the internal divisions and challenges facing the Israeli government as it navigates the complexities of the Gaza conflict. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how these political changes will impact Israel’s strategy and leadership moving forward.