Israel’s war cabinet minister Benny Gantz has resigned from the emergency government, intensifying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dependence on far-right factions opposed to a cease-fire in Gaza.
Benny Gantz, a centrist leader and former Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, announced his resignation on Sunday from the emergency government established amid the Gaza war. Gantz’s National Unity party joined Netanyahu’s coalition following the conflict’s outbreak in October 2023, but withdrew after Netanyahu failed to present a post-war governance plan for Gaza by a June 8 deadline.
Netanyahu had previously outlined post-war plans for Gaza, insisting on maintaining Israelâs security control over the territory while rejecting its establishment as a separate Palestinian state. The resignation of Gantz, coinciding with the rescue of four hostages from Gaza, marks a significant shift in Israel’s political landscape during a period of intense conflict.
Gantz criticized Netanyahuâs handling of the war, saying, âRegrettably, Netanyahu is preventing us from advancing toward true victory⊠That is why we are leaving the emergency government today, with a heavy heart but with full confidence.â
Netanyahu’s call for unity went unanswered as he urged Gantz to stay, emphasizing the need for cohesion during the crisis. Opposition leader Yair Lapid endorsed Gantz’s decision, advocating for the replacement of Netanyahuâs government with a more stable administration focused on restoring security and economic stability.
The ongoing conflict has seen Israeli forces retaliate against Hamas following the October 7 attacks, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports over 37,000 Palestinian fatalities in the same period. The hostilities have drawn international scrutiny, including a U.N. directive to halt military actions and an International Criminal Court prosecutor’s application for arrest warrants against key figures from both sides.
Gantzâs departure is expected to shift Netanyahu’s reliance towards far-right and ultra-Orthodox coalition partners. This development complicates the prospect of Israel endorsing a U.S.-proposed cease-fire in Gaza, which includes a phased cessation of hostilities and the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
Political analysts suggest that Gantzâs resignation will not fundamentally alter the dynamics surrounding the cease-fire proposal. Former National Security Council deputy head Eran Etzion noted that Netanyahu retains the ability to navigate coalition demands and U.S. pressures, though the move may embolden pro-democracy protests and heighten government instability over military service exemptions for Ultra-Orthodox men.
Far-right leaders like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have openly criticized the cease-fire framework, threatening to dismantle the government if it proceeds.
While Gantzâs exit is significant, experts contend that the ultimate decision on the cease-fire remains with Netanyahu, who retains the authority to secure a majority for his preferred outcome regardless of Gantz’s position.
