Israeli politician Benny Gantz, a key member of the country’s wartime cabinet, quit the government on Sunday over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza war.
The resignation dealt a blow to the unity Netanyahu showed at the start of the conflict and exposed divisions at the top of Israel over the future of the war and its consequences.
Gantz, a centrist figure, threatened last month to resign unless Netanyahu addresses his concerns about how the war will end and what will happen after it ends. mood” to leave the emergency government. He said Mr Netanyahu’s leadership “is preventing us from achieving real victory”.
The move is unlikely to force Netanyahu out – the prime minister’s government will still hold a slim majority in the Knesset. Gantz’s exit comes amid growing frustration over the failure to decisively overthrow Hamas or bring home all the hostages held in Gaza following the Oct. 7 terror attacks in southern Israel. Mr Netanyahu also faces international criticism as destruction and civilian casualties mount in Gaza.
Last month, Gantz set a Saturday deadline for Netanyahu to meet his demands for answers to a series of issues, including plans to repatriate hostages held in Gaza. He was scheduled to hold a news conference on Saturday but postponed his speech after Israeli authorities announced the rescue of four hostages.
