Israel’s war cabinet member threatens resignation due to disagreement over Gaza war strategy

Benny Gantz Threatens to Resign from Israeli Government Over War Strategy

In a bold move that could shake up Israel’s leadership, Benny Gantz, a member of the country’s three-man war cabinet, has threatened to resign from the government if a new plan for the ongoing war is not adopted. This ultimatum, if carried out, would leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu more reliant on his far-right allies.

Gantz’s announcement comes more than seven months into the war, during which Israel has struggled to achieve its goals of dismantling Hamas and securing the release of scores of hostages taken in a previous attack. His six-point plan includes the return of hostages, ending Hamas’s rule, demilitarizing Gaza, and establishing international civilian administration, as well as efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia.

“If you choose the path of fanatics and lead the entire nation to the abyss, we will be forced to quit the government,” Gantz stated, setting a deadline of June 8 for the adoption of his plan.

In response, Netanyahu criticized Gantz for issuing ultimatums to him instead of to Hamas, calling the conditions laid out by Gantz “euphemisms” for Israel’s defeat. Gantz, a popular politician and longtime rival of Netanyahu, has the potential to become the next prime minister, according to polls.

The escalating tensions within Israel’s leadership come as the war continues to drag on, with mounting pressure on Netanyahu from hard-liners in his government and international allies. The situation remains precarious, with no clear end in sight to the conflict that has already claimed thousands of lives on both sides.