Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, one of the three members of the war-time cabinet, announced his resignation on Sunday, June 9th, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of mishandling the conflict and prioritizing his own political future over the country’s security needs.
According to reports by the Associated Press, Gantz’s resignation does not immediately threaten Netanyahu, as he still maintains control over the majority coalition in the parliament. However, the Israeli leader has become increasingly reliant on support from far-right allies who oppose the latest U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal and aim for a continuation of the war.
Gantz stated, “Unfortunately, Netanyahu is preventing us from achieving a real victory,” emphasizing that this is the reason Israel is suffering and continues to pay a price. He added that Israel needs to take a different direction as he anticipates the conflict to last for several more years.
The former Israeli Defense Minister joined Netanyahu’s government shortly after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7 last year in a show of unity. Gantz’s inclusion also boosted Israel’s credibility among international partners, as he had a good working relationship with U.S. officials.
Gantz had previously stated that if Netanyahu did not formulate a new plan regarding post-war Gaza by June 8, he would leave the government.
He canceled a press conference scheduled for Saturday evening because earlier that day, Israel carried out its largest hostage rescue operation in Gaza in the eight months of conflict, rescuing four Israeli hostages. However, Gaza health authorities reported that at least 274 Palestinians were killed in the operation, including children.
Gantz called for elections to be held in the fall and encouraged the third member of the war cabinet, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, to “do the right thing” and also resign from the government. Gallant had previously stated that if Israel chose to reoccupy Gaza, he would resign. He also urged the Israeli government to devise a plan for a future Palestinian administration in Gaza.
On Saturday, Netanyahu urged Gantz not to leave the Israeli wartime emergency government, saying to Gantz, “Now is the time for unity, not division.”