Benny Gantz Resigns From Emergency Government, Citing Unmet Objectives
Israeli minister Benny Gantz announced his resignation from the emergency government during a press conference on Sunday evening. This move follows his warning on May 18 that his party, National Unity, would exit the government if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not commit to six specific objectives by June 8. These objectives include the return of hostages, the demolition of Hamas and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, providing a viable governance alternative in Gaza, returning and rehabilitating residents of the North and the western Negev, promoting normalization with Saudi Arabia, and standardizing national service across Israel.
The announcement was initially scheduled for Saturday night but was postponed following the successful rescue of four Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity. The rescued hostages included Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv. Following the rescue, Netanyahu made a public appeal to Gantz to remain in the government, emphasizing the importance of unity in facing the nation’s challenges. “We must remain united within ourselves against the big missions that stand in front of us,” Netanyahu said. “I call on Benny Gantz – don’t leave the emergency government. Don’t give up on unity.”
This holiday season, give to:
Truth and understanding
The Media Line's intrepid correspondents are in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Pakistan providing first-person reporting.
They all said they cover it.
We see it.
We report with just one agenda: the truth.
However, members of Gantz’s National Unity party have taken steps indicating a growing opposition to the government’s current policies. MK Orit Farkash Hacohen recently introduced a bill to establish a National Committee of Inquiry to investigate the events of October 7 and the surrounding circumstances. Additionally, MK Pnina Tamano-Shata proposed a bill to dissolve the Knesset, potentially leading to an early election.
Gantz called on all Knesset members who share his vision for the country’s future to join him, urging them to “obey the command of your conscience.” He made a particular appeal to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, praising his patriotism and leadership during the ongoing conflict. “Yoav, we have known each other for many years. Even when there were tensions between us, I always respected and appreciated you. In this war, I learned to appreciate you even more,” Gantz said. “You are a brave and determined leader and, above all, a patriot. At this time, leadership and courage are not only saying what is right but doing what is right.”
