Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s war Cabinet, has resigned, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s mismanagement of the war effort and prioritization of political survival over national security, Associated Press reports.
Gantz’s departure does not immediately threaten Netanyahu’s majority coalition, but it will increase its reliance on far-right allies opposing a US-backed cease-fire proposal. The move, prompted by Netanyahu’s failure to devise a postwar Gaza plan, underscores growing frustration with Netanyahu’s leadership. Gantz’s criticism focused on what he saw as empty promises from Netanyahu and a need for a different approach to the conflict, which he believes could persist for years. He called for Israel to hold elections in the fall and urged Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to follow suit.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu urged for unity in a time of crisis, aiming to quell potential discord. However, Gantz’s resignation could further bolster the government’s reliance on right-wing factions, raising concerns among international allies.
