Israeli minister and war cabinet member Beny Gantz—also Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chief political rival—resigned from Netanyahu’s government Sunday despite the success of Saturday’s dramatic hostage rescue.
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“Leaving the government is a complex and painful decision,” Gantz said in a televised statement.
The decision by Gantz – considered Netanyahu’s main political challenger – fulfils an ultimatum he gave the prime minister last month calling on him to lay out a new plan for the war against Hamas by June 8.
Gantz had been expected to resign on Saturday, but postponed the announcement following news that Israeli forces had rescued four hostages in an operation Gazan officials said left more than 270 Palestinians dead. [Editor’s Note: Gazan health officials routinely lie about the number of casualties.]
Netanyahu had lobbied for Gantz to stay, but to no avail:
His resignation comes despite Netanyahu on Saturday calling on Gantz to stay in Israel’s emergency government, saying this is the time for unity, not division.
“We must remain united within ourselves in the face of the great tasks before us. I call on Benny Gantz – do not leave the emergency government. Don’t give up on unity,” Netanyahu urged him on Telegram.
Netanyahu is blocking important strategic decisions for political considerations. Political considerations of Netanyahu’s government hamper strategic decisions in Gaza
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The move is seen as a blow to Netanyahu but not necessarily one that threatens to immediately bring down his government:
The move does not immediately pose a threat to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who still controls a majority coalition in parliament. But the Israeli leader becomes more heavily reliant on his far-right allies.
Gantz said that Netanyahu is making “total victory impossible” and that the government needs to put the return of the hostages seized Oct. 7 by Hamas “above political survival.”
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 U.S. officials.
Gantz had previously said he would leave the government by June 8 if Netanyahu did not formulate a new plan for postwar Gaza.
He had planned a planned Saturday night television address but canceled it after the successful rescue:
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RedState will bring you updates as necessary.