Current:Home > ContactBenny Gantz, an Israeli War Cabinet member, resigns from government over lack of plan for postwar Gaza -MoneyBase
Benny Gantz, an Israeli War Cabinet member, resigns from government over lack of plan for postwar Gaza
Robert Brown View
Date:2025-04-09 15:50:09
A member of Israel's three-man War Cabinet announced his resignation on Sunday over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza.
Benny Gantz, a popular former centrist military chief and one of the prime minister's most prominent critics, joined Netanyahu's government shortly after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in a show of unity. His presence also boosted Israel's credibility with the country's international partners as he has good working relations with U.S. officials.
Gantz said Netanyahu is making "total victory impossible" and that the government needs to put the return of the hostages seized Oct. 7 by Hamas "above political survival."
"That is why we are leaving the emergency government today, with a heavy heart but with full confidence," Gantz said at a televised news conference.
Gantz also called for new elections this fall that will "ultimately lead to the formation of a government that has won the trust of the people and be able to face the challenges."
He also encouraged the third member of the war Cabinet, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, to "do the right thing" and resign from the government as well. Gallant has previously said he would resign if Israel chose to reoccupy Gaza, and encouraged the government to make plans for a Palestinian administration.
On Saturday, Netanyahu had urged Gantz not to leave the emergency wartime government.
"This is the time for unity, not for division," he said, in a direct plea to Gantz.
While his departure does not immediately pose a threat to Netanyahu, who still controls a majority coalition in parliament, it forces the Israeli leader to become more heavily reliant on his far-right allies.
Last month Gantz threatened to depart the government by June 8 if it didn't adopt a new plan. He gave them a three-week deadline.
At the time, Gantz spelled out a six-point plan that included the return of scores of hostages, ending Hamas' rule, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, and establishing an international administration of civilian affairs. The plan also supports efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia.
He scrapped a planned news conference Saturday night after four Israeli hostages were dramatically rescued from Gaza earlier in the day. According to the Hamas-run Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 274 Palestinians were killed and hundreds more were wounded in the raid. The Israeli military said its forces came under heavy fire during the complex daytime operation and that "under 100" Palestinians were killed, though it was not clear how many of them were militants or civilians.
This is breaking news. Check back for updates.
- In:
- Benny Gantz
- Hamas
- Israel
- Gaza Strip
- Benjamin Netanyahu
veryGood! (219)
Related
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Woman charged with murder in disappearance of roommate, who was last seen Christmas Day 2022
- A list of mass killings in the United States this year
- How Ariana Grande Channeled Wizard of Oz's Dorothy at Wicked's Los Angeles Premiere
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Ex-sheriff in Mississippi is convicted of bribery and giving ammunition to a felon
- Michigan jury awards millions to a woman fired after refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine
- Are giant rats the future in sniffing out wildlife trafficking? Watch the rodents at work
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- A record 13 women will be governors next year after New Hampshire elected Kelly Ayotte
Ranking
- Bodycam footage shows high
- Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez wins reelection in Washington’s closely watched 3rd District
- Wicked Star Ethan Slater Shares Similarities He Has With His Character Boq
- Nico Iamaleava injury update: Why did Tennessee QB leave game vs. Mississippi State?
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Normani Details Her Wickedly Incredible Friendship With Ariana Grande
- Car explosion damages homes and vehicles in Queens, New York: Video captures blaze
- Trump's presidential election win and what it says about the future of cancel culture
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Police arrest a man after 9 people are stabbed over a day-and-a-half in Seattle
Messi, Inter Miami 'keeping calm' before decisive MLS playoff game vs. Atlanta United
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott plans to undergo season-ending surgery, according to reports
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
Years of shortchanging elections led to Honolulu’s long voter lines
How Ariana Grande Channeled Wizard of Oz's Dorothy at Wicked's Los Angeles Premiere
Historic winter storm buries New Mexico, Colorado in snow. Warmer temps ahead