LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – A centrist member of Israel’s three-man war Cabinet, Benny Gantz, has announced his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s 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, a popular former military chief, joined Netanyahu’s government shortly after the Oct. 7 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.
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The US has also repeatedly called on Netanyahu to present a tangible post-war plan for Gaza, and President Joe Biden has suggested that Netanyahu may be benefiting from prolonging the conflict.
Gantz’s resignation highlights the growing divisions within Israel’s government over the handling of the war in Gaza.
Netanyahu dismissed Gantz’s ultimatum, warning it would harm Israel’s interests.
In April, Gantz called for early elections in September, citing the need for Israeli society to “renew its contract with its leadership.”
Gantz consistently polls higher than Netanyahu, with a recent Maariv survey showing 42% support for Gantz compared to 34% for Netanyahu.
As a member of the war cabinet, Gantz played a crucial role in decision-making related to the Gaza conflict.