Benny Gantz, Israel’s centrist War Cabinet Minister, has declared his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and has called for fresh elections.
During a televised press briefing, Gantz accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his own political survival over securing a ceasefire deal that would ensure the release of approximately 100 hostages held in Gaza.
He remarked, “Unfortunately, Netanyahu is preventing us from advancing toward the real victory. Strategic decisions are met with hesitation due to political considerations.”
Reflecting the mounting public dissent against Netanyahu’s administration, Gantz advocated for new elections in the fall and urged Netanyahu to agree on a set date for them. “Don’t let our people be torn apart,” he urged.
Gantz’s decision to withdraw his centrist party from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition leaves the government with extremist ministers such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who advocate for reoccupying the Gaza Strip and expanding Israeli settlements there.
Gantz’s resignation came after he issued an ultimatum to Netanyahu in May, demanding a clear post-conflict strategy for Gaza, where Israel had been conducting a deadly assault, and insisting on a ceasefire agreement to secure the release of hostages.
In response to Gantz’s resignation, Netanyahu issued a statement, asserting, “Israel is in an existential war on several fronts. Benny, this is not the time to abandon the campaign.”
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