Israeli Minister Benny Gantz has stepped down from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency government, taking away the only centrist voice from the predominantly right-wing coalition, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu released a concise statement urging Gantz not to “leave the front,” but Gantz’s resignation won’t jeopardize the ruling right-wing coalition’s parliamentary majority of 64 seats out of 120 in the Knesset.
“We’re departing the emergency government today because Netanyahu is hindering our progress towards real victory,” Gantz stated during a televised news conference, expressing a mix of sadness and confidence.
Gantz’s resignation was anticipated after he gave the conservative prime minister until June 8 to devise a clear post-offensive strategy for Gaza. Israel has been conducting a significant military campaign against Hamas, the ruling Palestinian militant group, in the region.
With his departure, Netanyahu will no longer have the support of a centrist bloc, which has been instrumental in expanding the government’s backing within Israel and internationally. This comes at a critical juncture, amid mounting diplomatic and domestic pressures, eight months into the Gaza conflict.
His exit signifies Netanyahu’s loss of support from a centrist bloc, crucial for bolstering the government’s legitimacy both domestically and internationally. This comes amidst escalating diplomatic and domestic challenges, eight months into the Gaza conflict.
Gantz was initially anticipated to declare his resignation on Saturday but postponed the announcement following the dramatic rescue of four hostages by Israeli forces.
