A key member of Israel’s war cabinet has resigned. Benny Gantz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s biggest political rival, has stepped down after Netanyahu failed to meet the deadline Gantz gave him to come up with a post-war plan to replace Hamas in Gaza by June 8.  

In a speech on Sunday, June 9, the retired army general said it was a “complex and painful” decision. 

“Regrettably, Netanyahu is preventing us from advancing toward true victory, which is the justification for the ongoing and painful cost [of war],” Gantz said. “That is why we are leaving the emergency government today, with a heavy heart but with full confidence.” 

Netanyahu issued a brief statement calling on Gantz not to “abandon the campaign.”

לפני שעות אחדות מדינת ישראל כולה ליוותה בכאב ובהצדעה את גיבור ישראל ארנון זמורה ז״ל.

ישראל נמצאת במלחמה קיומית בכמה חזיתות. בני, זה לא הזמן לנטוש את המערכה – זה הזמן לאחד את הכוחות.

אזרחי ישראל, נמשיך עד לניצחון והשגת כל מטרות המלחמה, ובראשן שחרור כל חטופינו וחיסול החמאס.

דלתי…

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 9, 2024

“Israel is in an existential war on several fronts,” Netanyahu said. “Benny, this is not the time to abandon the campaign — this is the time to join forces.”

Netanyahu’s coalition holds 64 of parliament’s 120 seats but now relies more on ultra-nationalist parties that have strained U.S. relations. These parties advocate for full Israeli control over Gaza, increasing tensions with the U.S. and domestic pressure as the military campaign hasn’t met its goals of destroying Hamas and freeing hostages.

Polls indicate Gantz, a former army commander and defense minister, as Netanyahu’s top political challenger.

Gantz’s resignation was delayed by a day due to Israel’s rescue of four hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said at least 274 Palestinians were killed in the Israeli air and ground raid and hundreds more were wounded.