Israeli Minister Benny Gantz announces resignation as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu The Palestinian Authority on Sunday dissolved its emergency government amid months of war in Gaza, withdrawing the only centrist force in the embattled leader's far-right coalition.
Netanyahu issued a brief statement calling on Gantz “not to abandon the front” but said his departure would not jeopardize the ruling right-wing coalition’s 64 seats in the 120-seat parliament.
“Netanyahu is blocking our path to true victory. That is why we leave the emergency government today with a heavy heart but with confidence,” Gantz said at a televised news conference.
Gantz's resignation had been expected since he gave the conservative prime minister a June 8 deadline to come up with a clear next-day strategy for the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been waging a devastating military offensive against the ruling Palestinian militant group Hamas.
His resignation means Netanyahu will lose the support of the centrist bloc that helped the government win more support at home and abroad, eight months into the Gaza war and amid growing diplomatic and domestic pressure.
Gantz had been expected to announce his resignation on Saturday but delayed the announcement after Israeli forces dramatically rescued four hostages.
