Israeli politician Benny Gantz, a key member of the country’s war cabinet, resigned from the government on Sunday over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza.
The resignation dealt a blow to the veneer of unity that Netanyahu was able to mobilize at the start of the conflict and exposed divisions within Israel’s senior leadership over the future of the war and its consequences.
Mr. Gantz, a centrist who last month threatened to resign unless Mr. Netanyahu addressed his concerns about how the war would end and what would happen afterward, said the party will leave the emergency government “with a heavy but full heart.” He said that Mr. Netanyahu’s leadership is “preventing us from moving towards real victory.”
The move is unlikely to force Netanyahu to resign – the prime minister’s government will still hold a narrow majority in the Israeli Parliament. Mr Gantz’s departure comes as frustration grows over the failure to decisively oust Hamas or bring home all the hostages held in Gaza after the September 7 terrorist attack. 10 into southern Israel. Netanyahu also faces international criticism as destruction and civilian casualties increase in Gaza.
Last month, Mr. Gantz set a Saturday deadline for Mr. Netanyahu to meet his demands for answers on a range of issues, including a plan to return hostages held in Gaza. He was scheduled to hold a news conference on Saturday but postponed his remarks after Israeli authorities announced rescue four hostages.
