Benny Gantz Quits Israel’s War Cabinet

Centrist Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s three-man war cabinet, announced his resignation on Sunday, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of mismanaging the war effort and prioritizing his own “political survival” over the country’s security needs, Melanie Lidman reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Gantz said that Netanyahu was “Making empty promises,” and the country needs to take a different direction as he expects the fighting to continue for years to come. I Photo: בני גנץ - Benny Gantz

The move does not immediately pose a threat to Netanyahu, who still controls a majority coalition in parliament.

However, the Israeli leader now becomes more heavily reliant on far-right allies who oppose the latest US-backed ceasefire proposal and want to press ahead with the war.

“Unfortunately, Netanyahu is preventing us from achieving true victory, which is the justification for the painful and ongoing price,” Gantz said.

He added that Netanyahu was “making empty promises,” and the country needs to take a different direction as he expects the fighting to continue for years to come.

The popular former military chief joined Netanyahu’s government shortly after the Hamas attack in a show of unity. His presence also boosted Israel’s credibility with its international partners.

Gantz has good working relations with US officials. He had previously said he would leave the government by June 8 if Netanyahu did not formulate a new plan for postwar Gaza.