Israeli minister Benny Gantz resigns from war cabinet in blow to Netanyahu.
Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel’s war cabinet and a prominent political challenger, has resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
His departure highlights mounting tensions over the country’s strategy in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Gantz Accuses Netanyahu of Prioritizing Politics Over Strategy:
In a televised statement on Sunday, Gantz criticized Netanyahu for placing personal political interests ahead of a coherent post-war strategy for Gaza.
He described his decision to leave the government as “complex and painful” but necessary.
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“Netanyahu prevents us from moving forward to a real victory [in Gaza],” Gantz declared.
He lamented the lack of decisive strategic planning, stating, “Fateful strategic decisions are met with hesitancy and procrastination due to political considerations.”
Calls for Early Elections:
Gantz also urged Netanyahu to set a date for early elections, emphasizing the need for national unity and leadership renewal.
“I call on Netanyahu: set an agreed election date. Do not let our people be torn apart,” he said.
Gantz had previously called for elections as early as September, ahead of the one-year anniversary of the war.
Response from Netanyahu:
Netanyahu responded by urging Gantz to reconsider his resignation, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of ongoing conflict.
“Benny, this is not the time to abandon the campaign – this is the time to join forces,” Netanyahu said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He reaffirmed his commitment to achieving victory and ensuring the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Implications for the War Cabinet:
Gantz’s resignation leaves the war cabinet, established four days after Hamas’s October 7 attacks, without representation from any party other than Netanyahu’s Likud.
THE JOY OF CITIZENS IN NORTHERN GAZA AFTER BENNY GANTZ ANNOUNCED HIS RESIGNATION
THEY KNOW ISRAEL IS CRUMBLING FROM WITHIN. pic.twitter.com/aXVh7mcQYU
— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) June 9, 2024
The cabinet now comprises Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, also from Likud.
International and Domestic Pressure:
Gantz’s decision comes amid increasing pressure from Israel’s Western allies and families of hostages to end the war and secure the captives’ release.
Eight months into the conflict, Israel has yet to achieve its stated objectives, with much of Hamas’s leadership still at large and over 100 hostages remaining in Gaza.
The United States has repeatedly called on Netanyahu to present a clear post-war plan for Gaza.
President Joe Biden recently proposed a three-pronged peace deal, suggesting that Netanyahu might be benefiting politically from prolonging the conflict.
Political and Public Opinion Dynamics:
As Israeli minister Benny Gantz resigns from war cabinet in blow to Netanyahu, Gantz joined the emergency government to balance the influence of the far-right and ensure responsible decision-making.
However, his continued participation risked diminishing his popularity.
Opinion polls indicate Gantz often surpasses Netanyahu in public support, with a recent survey showing 42% backing for Gantz compared to 34% for Netanyahu.
Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat, noted that Gantz’s presence in the government was intended to act as a counterbalance.
However, as the war drags on without significant progress, Gantz’s alignment with Netanyahu’s positions could erode his support base.
