Israeli Minister Benny Gantz Resigns Emergency Cabinet in a Blow to Netanyahu
Image Source: CNN
On Sunday, Israel’s centrist minister Benny Gantz announced his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet, subsequently withdrawing the only centrist power in the majority far-right emergency government. Although the departure won’t pose an immediate threat to the Prime Minister, who still controls a majority coalition in the parliament, Netanyahu urges Gantz not to step down at a time of “crisis”, adding that it is a time for “unity and not for division” in a direct plea to him.
Gantz’ reasons for resignation
Gantz had presented Netanyahu with a June 8 deadline to come up with a clear strategy for Gaza, at a time when Israel had been engaging in continued offensive in Palestine. The Prime Minister ignored the ultimatum as soon as it was given.
The former centrist minister says that Netanyahu was driven by political gains. He says, “Unfortunately, Netanyahu is preventing us from achieving true victory, which is the justification for the painful and ongoing price,” and also added that Netanyahu was making “false promises”. He claims that he expects the fight to continue for years to come, and urges the nation to take a step in a different direction.
Weakening International Ties
While the former military chief turned minister helped boost Israel’s popularity abroad and strengthen its international ties, the leaders of the remaining far-right bloc had angered leaders even before the war. According to Gideon Rahat, head of the political science department at the Hebrew University, the decision for Gantz’ leave from the emergency cabinet is largely a “symbolic move”, one that comes after long-time frustration with Netanyahu. He also adds that the international community would not be too happy about this decision, as they perceive Gantz and his ministers to be more ‘responsible’ people within the government.
Impact of the Resignation
With Gantz’ departure, Netanyahu will now lose backing from a centrist bloc, and would have to increase his reliance on the ultra-nationalist parties, who have since called for a complete occupation of Gaza by Israel. Gantz had also urged Netanyahu to hold elections in the fall, warning that the war in Gaza could stretch for years.
Gantz called for Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, to do the “right thing” but did not elaborate on what he meant. Gallant had previously stated that he would resign if Israel chose to reoccupy Gaza, and had also encouraged the government to make plans for a Palestinian administration.
Gantz had postponed his statement following Israel’s retrieval of four hostages from Hamas in their largest military operation since the eight-month war. When asked about whether his leave would affect Israel’s standing abroad, Gantz stated that both Gallant and Netanyahu know “what should be done”.
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