Israel's Benny Gantz Resigns from War Cabinet
Netanyahu's Rival Quits amid Gaza Escalation
Former Defense Minister Withdraws Centrist Party from Coalition
Jerusalem, June 10, 2024 - Israeli Minister Benny Gantz has resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war cabinet, delivering a blow to the coalition government as it faces ongoing tensions with Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip.
Gantz, who leads the centrist Blue and White party, had given Netanyahu an ultimatum to withdraw from the conflict or face his party's withdrawal from the coalition. The decision comes after Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, launched a barrage of rockets into Israel, prompting a retaliatory response from the Israeli military.
Gantz's resignation is a significant setback for Netanyahu, who is already facing political challenges on multiple fronts. The loss of Gantz's support could undermine the government's ability to handle the ongoing security crisis and could potentially lead to early elections.
In a statement, Gantz said that his party "cannot be part of a government that is leading the country to a dangerous and unnecessary war." He called for an immediate ceasefire and a resumption of peace negotiations with the Palestinians.
Netanyahu has not yet commented on Gantz's resignation. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the departure of one of its key members amid this critical juncture for Israel.
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