Israeli Minister Benny Gantz Resigns from War Cabinet
A Blow to Prime Minister Netanyahu
Gantz's departure comes amid growing tensions within the government
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz has resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war cabinet, dealing a blow to the prime minister who has been under fire over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues.
Gantz, a centrist figure and a key member of Israel's war cabinet, said his party was leaving the country's emergency government over disagreements with Netanyahu's policies.
"I am not willing to continue to be a partner in a government that does not tell the truth to its citizens," Gantz said in a statement.
Netanyahu's office said it regretted Gantz's decision and that it would continue to work to ensure Israel's security.
Gantz's resignation is a sign of deepening divisions within the Israeli government
Gantz has been a vocal critic of Netanyahu's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he has also clashed with the prime minister over other issues, including Netanyahu's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.
The resignation of Gantz, a former military chief of staff, is a significant blow to Netanyahu, who is already facing calls to resign from within his own party.
Analysts say Gantz's resignation could lead to the collapse of Netanyahu's government and the formation of a new government led by Gantz or another opposition leader.
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