AGS NEWS – Israel’s centrist War Cabinet Minister, Benny Gantz, has resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, urging for new elections.

In a televised press conference, Gantz accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over a ceasefire deal aimed at freeing around 100 hostages in Gaza.

“Netanyahu is preventing us from achieving real victory. Strategic decisions are being delayed due to political considerations,” Gantz said.

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Reflecting growing public dissent against Netanyahu, Gantz called for elections in the fall, urging Netanyahu to agree on a date. “Don’t let our people be torn apart,” he added.

Gantz’s resignation leaves Netanyahu’s coalition dominated by far-right ministers, including Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who advocate reoccupying Gaza and expanding settlements.

The move followed Gantz’s ultimatum to Netanyahu in May, demanding a clear post-conflict strategy for Gaza and a hostage-ceasefire agreement.

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In response, Netanyahu stated, “Israel is in an existential war on several fronts. Benny, this is not the time to abandon the campaign.”