Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli emergency government and war cabinet, announced his resignation on Sunday. This decision reflects his disagreements with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the war against Hamas, including policies on hostage release and post-war plans in Gaza. Gantz, a decorated military careerist and former chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, entered Israeli politics in 2018 with a clear agenda to calm the troubled waters of the state. His initial goal was to influence the course of the war and form a national unity government, but ongoing conflicts with Netanyahu and his right-wing allies led to his decision to step down.
According to historian and journalist Steve Jourdin, Gantz’s resignation comes at a time when he is trying to salvage his political reputation as his popularity wanes. While Gantz and Netanyahu both advocate for continuing the war, they differ in their approaches. Netanyahu aims to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state after the conflict, whereas Gantz supports exploring post-war solutions in Gaza, including the possibility of a two-state resolution with Saudi Arabia’s involvement.
Despite their ideological similarities, Netanyahu holds the upper hand politically, as Israeli society remains apprehensive about escalating tensions with Hezbollah and hesitant about the prospect of a Palestinian state. Gantz’s departure does not significantly impact the government’s majority in the Knesset, allowing Netanyahu to maintain his political position by prolonging the state of war without seeking a swift resolution. This political maneuvering underscores the complex dynamics of Israeli governance and the challenges of pursuing peace in the region.
