Israel minister Benny Gantz quits Netanyahu government
His departure means Netanyahu will lose the backing of a centrist bloc that has helped broaden support for the government in Israel and abroad, amid a months-long war in Gaza.
Israeli minister Benny Gantz announced his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's emergency government on Sunday, withdrawing the only centrist power in the embattled leader's far-right coalition, amid a months-long war in Gaza.
Netanyahu issued a brief statement calling on Gantz not to "abandon the front" but his departure will not endanger the parliamentary majority of 64 seats in the 120-seat Knesset held by the ruling right-wing coalition.
More To Read
- UK to recognise Palestine state unless Israel stops Gaza war
- Gaza now deadliest place for journalists, report finds, as over 230 killed since October 2023
- AU welcomes France’s planned recognition of Palestine as a step towards peace
- US agency report clears Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid in Gaza
- List of countries which recognise Palestinian statehood
- France to officially recognise Palestinian state in September, Emmanuel Macron announces
"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," Gantz said at a televised news conference.
Gantz's resignation had been expected ever since he presented the conservative prime minister with a June 8 deadline to come up with a clear day-after strategy for Gaza, where Israel has been pressing a devastating military offensive against the ruling Palestinian group Hamas.
His departure means that Netanyahu will lose the backing of a centrist bloc that has helped broaden support for the government in Israel and abroad, at a time of increasing diplomatic and domestic pressure eight months into the Gaza war.
Gantz had originally been expected to announce his resignation on Saturday but pushed back the statement following the dramatic rescue of four hostages Israeli forces.
Top Stories Today
- Man shot as police disperse opposition supporters at Gilgil rally
- Tanzania beats Burkina Faso 2-0 in CHAN 2024 opener at Benjamin Mkapa stadium
- Wetang’ula rejects claims of bias, says Constitution allows political affiliation
- Liver cancer deaths set to double by 2050 as alcohol drives Kenya’s crisis
- Catherine Kenga gazetted as Kilifi County Assembly speaker
- Biometrics to replace passport stamps at EU border from October
