Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s three-person war cabinet, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of mismanaging the war effort and putting his own “political survival” ahead of the country’s security needs.
Minister without portfolio Benny Gantz announced on Sunday his resignation from the war cabinet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he accuses of having failed the war effort against Hamas.
The resignation of Mr. Gantz represents the withdrawal of the only centrist force from Mr Netanyahu’s far-right coalitionwhile the war in Gaza has been going on for months.
In his announcement, the National Unity president called on Mr. Netanyahu to set a date for the elections.
“To guarantee a real victory, it is appropriate that in the fall, a year after the disaster, we hold elections that will establish a government that will gain the trust of the people and will be able to meet the challenges (of Israel )”said Mr. Gantz.
“I call on Netanyahu not to let our people be torn apart”he added.
Keystone of the Netanyahu cabinet
Popular former military leader Gantz joined Netanyahu’s government shortly after the Hamas attack as a sign of unity. His presence also strengthened Israel’s credibility with its international partners. Mr. Gantz maintains a good working relationship with U.S. officials.
Mr. Gantz had already said he would leave the government on June 8 if Mr. Netanyahu did not formulate a new plan for the post-war in Gaza.
He canceled a press conference scheduled for Saturday evening, after four Israeli hostages spectacularly rescued in Gaza earlier today in the largest such operation by Israel since the start of the eight-month-old war.
At least 274 Palestinians, including children, are believed to have been killed in the assault, according to Gaza health authorities.
Mr. Gantz called on Israel to hold elections in the fall and encouraged the third member of the war cabinet, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, to “do the right thing” and resign from the government.
Mr. Gallant has previously said he would resign if Israel decided to reoccupy the Gaza Strip and encouraged the government to develop plans for a Palestinian administration.
On Saturday, Mr. Netanyahu urged Mr. Gantz not to leave the wartime emergency government. “This is the time for unity, not division”he said in a direct appeal to Mr. Gantz.
Additional sources • adaptation: Serge Duchêne
