Israel War Cabinet Minister Quits Netanyahu Government

Israeli Minister Benny Gantz has announced his resignation from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Emergency Government in a televised address. “Netanyahu is preventing us from advancing toward true victory. That is why we are leaving the emergency government today, with a heavy heart but with full confidence” he stated. He also called upon Netanyahu to set an agreed election date. The resignation of Minister Gantz signifies the withdrawal of the only central power in the Israeli Prime Ministers far right coalition.

Brief background

Mr Benny Gantz, a former IDF chief of staff and the founder of the centrist National Unity Party is Netanyahu’s political rival. He joined politics with an explicit aim of countering Netanyahu’s hold on Israeli politics in 2018. He was in the opposition until the October 11th attacks, following which he agreed to form an emergency government with Netanyahu. The National Unity party holds five posts in the emergency government. 

Initially formed with an objective of portraying solidarity, cracks soon began to emerge in the emergency government due to ideological differences. Warning that the conflict would span over years, Gantz urged Netanyahu to agree on an election date to prevent further internal political rivalries. Netanyahu however, dismissed his demands.

Last month, Gantz threatened to leave the emergency government if Netanyahu did not devise a post-war for Gaza where Israel has been conducting a major offensive killing over 37,000 people, giving the Prime Minister a deadline of 8th June. Gantz postponed his resignation speech by one day due to the unexpected rescue of four Israeli hostages in an operation.

“I will be part of a national unity government that includes all centrist parties and only that option will allow us to face all the challenges that stand before us, even with Netanyahu. Like I said, what we need is true and genuine unity and not partial unity.” He also emphasized that while protests against the government are important, they must be conducted in a legal manner, underscoring the significance of national unity.

Implications of the resignation on Israel

Although Netanyahu’s coalition would still retain control of the parliament with 64 out of 120 seats, he would lose the support of the central bloc that has contributed to broadening the support for the government nationally and internationally at a time of increased diplomatic pressure. Netanyahu will now have to rely on the support of the ultra-nationalist parties who have called for the complete occupation of Gaza, ideologically countering directions from Washington. This move could thus lead to strained relations with USA, one of Israel’s most important allies. 

Reactions from National Politicians

The Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slammed Gantz stating  “there is no less stately act than resigning from a government in time of war” as “the kidnapped are still dying in the Hamas tunnels.” Israel’s opposition leader, Yair Lapid on the other hand said “Gantz and Eisenkot’s decision to leave the failed government is important and correct.” Netanyahu himself criticized the decision saying that it was time to join hands rather than quit at this hour of need.

Due to increased political differences, the Prime Minister is now considering shutting the war cabinet and reverting to a former model in order to decrease internal conflict that affects swift decision making.