Gantz Exits Coalition, Accuses Netanyahu of Hindering Victory Over Hamas

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced on Sunday that his party is withdrawing from emergency government formed after October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. This move is expected to destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, which, despite departure, retains a 64-member majority in Knesset.

Gantz's exit comes amid ongoing war in Gaza and critical hostage and ceasefire negotiations. His departure is seen as a significant blow to Netanyahu's ministration, which now faces increased pressure from United States and international community. Gantz, considered a moderate by Biden ministration and many Western and Arab governments, has been a member of Netanyahu's war cabinet for eight months.

Here is what Gantz said

"Netanyahu prevents us from getting a real victory. This is why we are leaving government with a heavy heart but a full heart," Gantz declared in his speech. He criticized Netanyahu's promise of total victory against Hamas as hollow and called for prioritizing release of hostages over political survival. "Israelis deserve a real victory that puts release of hostages above political survival," he ded.

Gantz's departure signals a shift in government's dynamics, with ultranationalist ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich likely to exert more influence. This shift is expected to push Netanyahu towards a harder stance in war in Gaza and potential escalations against Palestinian Authority in West Bank and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Gantz wants early elections

In his speech, Gantz called for early elections to be held this fall and urged party leers to back him in this effort. "A real unity government will be formed," he asserted. Gantz, along with two or cabinet members from his party, submitted resignation letters to Netanyahu, which will take effect in 48 hours.

Gantz also expressed his support for hostage deal proposal approved by war cabinet and vocated by President Biden. "I demand Netanyahu to stand clearly behind it and do everything in order to make it happen," he stated. Furrmore, Gantz called for establishment of a national commission of inquiry into October 7 events as soon as possible.