Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz Resigns Amidst Gaza Post-Conflict Plans Dispute
Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz has resigned from the emergency government, highlighting escalating divisions over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategies for Gaza in the aftermath of recent conflict.
Speaking at a press conference in Tel Aviv on Sunday to announce his departure, Gantz expressed his decision with a “heavy heart.”
“Unfortunately, Mr. Netanyahu is obstructing our path to true victory, which is essential for resolving the ongoing crisis,” he stated.
A retired army general and a frequent critic of Netanyahu, Gantz also urged the prime minister to schedule elections.
In response, Netanyahu took to social media, stating, “Benny, now is not the time to step back; now is the time to unite.”
Netanyahu had dismissed Gantz’s remarks then as “empty words” that would lead to “defeat for Israel.”
Last month, Gantz had set a deadline of June 8th for Netanyahu to outline Israel’s six “strategic goals,” including ending Hamas rule in Gaza and establishing a multinational civilian administration in the territory.
Gantz, who had been a crucial member of Israel’s war cabinet alongside Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, is a retired army general.