Jerusalem: Benny Gantz, Israel’s centrist war cabinet minister, has deferred a scheduled statement, anticipated to announce his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency government.
Last month, Gantz set a June 8 deadline for Netanyahu to outline a clear strategy for post-offensive Gaza. However, news of Israeli forces successfully rescuing four hostages from Gaza prompted the postponement of Gantz’s address. The new timing for the statement remains undisclosed, though Israeli media speculated it would entail his resignation.
Gantz’s departure wouldn’t immediately jeopardize Netanyahu’s coalition, holding 64 seats in the 120-seat parliament. However, it could significantly impact coalition dynamics. Without Gantz, Netanyahu loses the backing of a centrist bloc crucial for broadening support domestically and internationally amid escalating diplomatic and domestic pressures amidst the Gaza conflict.
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Netanyahu’s reliance on ultra-nationalist parties could strain U.S. relations further and amplify domestic scrutiny. Despite months of military campaign, the government’s objectives—Hamas’s destruction and the return of hostages—remain unfulfilled.
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Political analysts suggest Gantz’s exit signals dim prospects for ceasefire efforts. Gantz, a former army commander, emerged as Netanyahu’s primary political challenger post-Hamas’s attack on Israel in October.
Having joined the unity government post-attack, Gantz’s potential resignation reflects the evolving political landscape amidst ongoing conflict challenges.
