Israel’s centrist Minister of Defense, Benny Gantz, declared his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency government, advocating for fresh elections.
Netanyahu countered with a statement emphasizing Israel’s existential struggle on multiple fronts, urging Gantz not to withdraw during this crucial period.
During a televised address, Gantz accused Netanyahu of favoring his political interests over pursuing a ceasefire to free approximately 100 hostages held in Gaza.
“Unfortunately, Netanyahu is preventing us from advancing toward the real victory,” said Gantz.
“Strategic decisions are met with hesitation due to political considerations.”
Echoing increasing public protest against Netanyahu’s government, Gantz called for a new round of elections in the fall.
He urged Netanyahu to set an agreed date to hold them.
“Don’t let our people be torn apart,” he said.
Gantz’s decision to withdraw his centrist party from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition left it with extremist ministers, including Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who advocate for reoccupying the Gaza Strip and expanding Israeli settlements there.
Gantz’s resignation followed a May ultimatum he issued to the right-wing prime minister, demanding that Netanyahu develop a clear post-conflict strategy for Gaza, where Israel has been conducting a fatal assault, and agree to a hostage-ceasefire agreement
