Israel’s centrist War Cabinet Minister, Benny Gantz, announced his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency government and called for new elections.

In response, Mr Netanyahu released a statement saying that “Israel is in an existential war on several fronts,” adding, “Benny, this is not the time to abandon the campaign.”

In a televised press conference, Mr Gantz accused Netanyahu of prioritising his political survival over a ceasefire deal that would secure the release of about 100 hostages held in Gaza.

“Unfortunately, Netanyahu is preventing us from advancing toward the real victory,” said Mr Gantz. “Strategic decisions are met with hesitation due to political considerations.”

Echoing increasing public protest against Mr Netanyahu’s government, Mr Gantz called for a new round of elections in the fall.

He urged Mr Netanyahu to set an agreed date to hold them.

“Don’t let our people to be torn apart,” he said.

Mr Gantz’s decision to withdraw his centrist party from Mr Netanyahu’s far-right coalition left it with extremist ministers, including Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who advocate reoccupying the Gaza Strip and expanding Israeli settlements there.

Mr Gantz’s resignation followed a May ultimatum he issued to the right-wing prime minister, demanding that Mr Netanyahu develop a clear post-conflict strategy for Gaza, where Israel has been conducting a fatal assault, and agree to a hostage-ceasefire agreement.

(Xinhua/NAN)