Benny Gantz, an influential Israeli politician and former military chief, has followed through on his promise to resign from Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency war cabinet.
This departure leaves the prime minister increasingly dependent on the far-right factions within his coalition government.
Gantz, a key rival to Netanyahu and leader of the center-right National Unity party, joined the war cabinet as a minister without portfolio following Hamas’s attack on 7 October.
His participation was aimed at promoting national unity during the crisis.
However, as the conflict in Gaza continued, internal disagreements over strategy and efforts to secure the release of 250 Israeli hostages became public.
Gantz accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over strategic decisions, including potential hostage deals.
He had previously given Netanyahu an ultimatum to present concrete post-war plans for Gaza by 8 June.
Gantz postponed his resignation speech by a day after a rescue operation freed four Israeli hostages but resulted in significant casualties in Gaza, with the health ministry reporting 274 deaths and 696 injuries.
The resignation of his party also includes Gadi Eisenkot, an IDF general and war cabinet observer, and Chili Tropper, a minister without portfolio.
“Netanyahu is preventing us from progressing towards a true victory,” Gantz stated in a televised address on Sunday night.
“For this reason we are leaving the emergency government today, with a heavy heart, yet wholeheartedly.”
He also urged Netanyahu to set a date for elections, saying, “Do not let our nation tear apart.”
Although Gantz’s departure does not immediately threaten Netanyahu’s majority in parliament, it undermines the government’s credibility internationally.
Gantz, respected in Washington, was seen as a moderating force on Netanyahu.
His exit may increase the influence of Netanyahu’s far-right allies on the Gaza conflict and the looming threat from Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized Gantz, arguing that resigning during a war is an irresponsible act.
National security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has already requested Gantz’s seat on the war cabinet.
Both ministers have threatened to leave the coalition if Israel concedes to Hamas in any hostage or ceasefire deal.
Netanyahu responded to Gantz’s resignation on social media, emphasizing the need to “join forces” rather than quit.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid supported Gantz’s decision, stating, “The time has come to replace this extreme and reckless government with a sane government that will lead to the return of security to the citizens of Israel, to the return of the abducted, to the restoration of Israel’s economy and international status.”
With Gantz’s departure, only Netanyahu and his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, remain in the war cabinet.
Gallant and Netanyahu often clash on security matters.
Netanyahu is now considering dissolving the war cabinet and reverting to a previous model where security issues are discussed in a limited forum before being presented to the full cabinet.
Facing corruption charges and criticism over security lapses leading to the 7 October attack, Netanyahu is believed to view remaining in office as his best chance to avoid prosecution.
He also faces challenges from ultra-Orthodox parties in his coalition regarding military conscription.
Gantz, 65, like many senior Israeli commanders, transitioned to politics in 2018, founding a new party aimed at ending Netanyahu’s political dominance.
Although once favored to lead a new coalition if early elections were called, Gantz’s popularity has waned recently.
His National Unity party submitted a bill last week to dissolve parliament and call for early elections.
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