Israel-Gaza Updates: – ABC News

Centrist Israeli Minister Benny Gantz announced on Sunday that he was resigning from the emergency government over what he described as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's lack of a plan for the “day after” in Gaza.

In a televised press conference, Gantz announced that he was resigning from the coalition government, taking with him his party and the seats he held in the Knesset. Netanyahu's coalition government will still retain a majority, but Gantz's decision is seen as a major blow to the prime minister.

“Netanyahu is preventing us from moving toward real victory,” Gantz said. “For this reason, we leave the emergency government today, with a heavy heart, but wholeheartedly.”

He also called on Netanyahu to set a date for the elections.

Gantz was scheduled to make the announcement Saturday, but canceled it amid news of an Israel Defense Forces operation in Gaza that led to the rescue of four Israeli hostages.

Gantz is a member of Israel's three-member war cabinet, including Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

On Saturday, Netanyahu appealed to Gantz on X, saying: “Now is the time for unity, not division. We must remain united within ourselves in the face of the great tasks that await us. I appeal to Benny Gantz: don’t leave.” emergency government. Don't give up on unity.

After Gantz's resignation, Netanyahu issued a statement on X, saying: “Israel is engaged in an existential war on multiple fronts.”

“Benny, this is not the time to abandon the campaign, this is the time to join forces,” Netanyahu said. “Citizens of Israel, we will continue until victory and the achievement of all the objectives of the war, first and foremost the release of all our hostages and the elimination of Hamas.”

Netanyahu added: “My door will remain open to any Zionist party ready to put themselves under the stretcher and contribute to victory over our enemies and ensuring the security of our citizens. »

In May, Gantz issued an ultimatum to Netanyahu, saying he would resign if the prime minister did not approve a post-war plan by June 8. He said at the time: “While Israeli soldiers display supreme bravery on the front lines, some of the men who sent them into battle behave with cowardice and irresponsibility. »

-Jordana Miller of ABC News