Benny Gantz, former Israeli Defence Minister and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chief political rival, has resigned from the war cabinet, returning to his previous status as an ex-defence minister and ex-chief of staff.
Gantz’s departure, effective one day after his self-imposed June 8 deadline, follows his earlier warning that he would exit the government if Netanyahu failed to deliver a coherent plan for the release of hostages and post-war Gaza governance.
In his televised statement on Sunday evening, Gantz expressed the difficulty of his decision, stating, “Leaving the government is a complex and painful decision.
Netanyahu prevents us from moving forward to a real victory [in Gaza]. That is why we are leaving the emergency government today with a heavy heart, but with a whole heart.”
Gantz’s resignation is unlikely to cause the collapse of Netanyahu’s government. Despite Gantz’s moderating influence, Netanyahu’s coalition still controls 64 of the Knesset’s 120 seats.
This majority ensures Netanyahu’s position remains secure unless internal pressures, such as a contentious hostage deal or far-right coalition partners defecting, force a change.
For Palestinians in Gaza, Gantz’s exit likely means little change in the current military strategy. Gantz, though considered a moderating force, has always maintained a hardline stance on security.
His presence in the war cabinet did not necessarily equate to a softer approach on Hamas or a reduction in civilian casualties. The current defence minister, Yoav Gallant, shares similar views, ensuring continuity in Israel’s military operations.
Gantz’s resignation positions him back into opposition but with potential advantages. Opinion polls indicate that if elections were held now, Gantz might win.
His departure could be a strategic move, setting the stage for a future political comeback by distancing himself from Netanyahu’s government and positioning himself as a viable alternative.
