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Benny Gantz Israel Benjamin Netanyahu
Benny Gantz joined the wartime government formed after the Hamas attacks last year to bring an end to the conflict. While his resignation will not dissolve the coalition, it could lead to a shift in its approach. Here’s why.
Israeli Minister Benny Gantz quit the government on Sunday (June 9) against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policy on the war in Gaza.
In a speech, he said: “Regrettably, Netanyahu is preventing us from advancing towards true victory, which is the justification for the ongoing painful cost (of war). That is why we are leaving the emergency government today, with a heavy heart but with full confidence.” Gantz also called for national elections to be held later this year.
The emergency government of Israel and the ‘war cabinet’ within it were constituted after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Another minister, Gadi Eisenkot of Gantz’s Israeli Resistance Party, also quit the government.
Benny Gantz’s decision will not significantly impact the stability of the Netanyahu government. However, some experts believe the absence of centrist figures might lead to a shift in its approach. Here’s why.
What led to Benny Gantz’s resignation?
A former Defense Minister and Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Gantz was part of the emergency government established on October 11, 2023. This government included Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant of the right-wing Likud Party, Gantz and Eisenkot from the more centrist Israeli Resistance Party, and Itamar Ben-Gvir from the ultra-nationalist, far-right Otzma Yehudit party, among others.
Benny Gantz’s resignation comes amidst continued conflict in Gaza, where one major issue was the return of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. Initially, there was a strong stance from the government, with Gantz stating their readiness to “wipe this thing called Hamas off the face of the Earth.”
However, the conflict has persisted for eight months, resulting in a high death toll in Gaza, with over 35,000 casualties, primarily women and children. Global condemnation of Israeli military actions in Gaza has been widespread, including criticism from the United States, traditionally one of Israel’s staunchest allies.
Internally, protests have emerged in Israel against what many perceive as Netanyahu’s failure to achieve the government’s objectives. Approximately 250 hostages were seized last year, with an estimated 80 still believed to be in Gaza according to the Israeli government.
Last month, Gantz set a deadline of June 8 for Netanyahu to devise a plan to end the conflict, which was not met. Within the government, Gantz is thought to have played a role in moderating the right-wing government’s stance on certain issues, such as agreeing to a hostage release deal with Hamas last year. However, many members of the Netanyahu government oppose any negotiations with Hamas.
According to an analysis by the Israeli media organization Haaretz, Netanyahu would sometimes cite Gantz as a reason when criticized by hardline supporters for not escalating actions against Hamas further. Consequently, the outgoing minister opted to leave the arrangement and call for fresh elections, also aiming to capitalize on the discontent many Israelis feel towards Netanyahu.
How might this affect the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict?
National Security Minister Ben-Gvir has demanded that Gantz’s position in the smaller, five-member war cabinet within the government be given to his party, as reported by Reuters.
Many analysts suggest that Gantz’s departure could empower right-wing voices in Israel. While Netanyahu still maintains a majority in Parliament, or the Knesset, with Gantz returning to the Opposition, he may have to rely more on his right-wing allies.
Are elections likely in Israel soon?
Discontent and protests against Netanyahu existed before the October 7 attacks. Criticism mounted over his judicial reforms, which were viewed as undermining judicial autonomy. Following the attacks, Netanyahu faced criticism for failing to adequately protect Israel against a comparatively smaller enemy. Benny Gantz
An analysis in The Economist suggests that Netanyahu prefers the current government to persist to contain the backlash against him. However, his predicament lies in the fact that continued assault on Gaza, amidst widespread criticism, could further diminish his domestic and international standing. The United States is urging Israel to accept a ceasefire deal brokered by various Middle Eastern countries. Benny Gantz
The Economist notes: “Mr. Netanyahu is in no hurry to end the conflict. A ceasefire would make it harder for him to evade post-war scrutiny. However, he’s also wary of escalation, particularly with the United States, Israel’s closest ally, increasingly pressuring his government to agree to a ceasefire.”
