Minister without portfolio Benny Gantz of the National Unity Party is leaving Israel’s war cabinet and calling for early elections next fall. He said this in a press conference.

The break is not unexpected. Gantz regularly criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu and his approach to the war against Hamas. A few weeks ago, Netanyahu gave an ultimatum: This weekend the prime minister had to come up with a clear plan for how to move forward after the war.

According to Gantz, Netanyahu stands in the way of “true victory” and has only made empty promises. According to Gantz, true victory means the return of the remaining hostages to Israel, the formation of a new administration in the Gaza Strip instead of Hamas, and the formation of an alliance with Middle Eastern countries against Iran.

Gantz also apologized to the families of the hostages. “We have tried our best, but we have not yet succeeded in bringing many hostages home. I also bear responsibility for that.” He spoke again in favor of reaching an agreement with Hamas that would lead to the return of detainees. An estimated 120 remain.

Yesterday, Gantz wanted to announce his resignation. This was canceled due to the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip, during which four Israeli hostages were freed.

Netanyahu did respond during the press conference. He believes that Gantz should not “run away” now. According to him, Israel is fighting on seven fronts. In this context, he referred to Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iran, the militias in Syria, Iraq, the West Bank, and the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

The ICC Prosecutor wants the judges to issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and some Hamas leaders. He wants them to be tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Before the formation of the war government, Gantz was in the opposition. His party, which is relatively moderate, is currently performing better in opinion polls than Netanyahu.

The Military Cabinet is separate from the regular Cabinet. Gantz’s departure does not mean that Netanyahu’s government will lose its majority. The coalition has 64 seats out of 120 seats in Parliament. Netanyahu relies heavily on the far right to govern.

Opposition Leader Lapid praises Minister Gantz’s decision to leave the war government and supports his call for new elections. According to him, it is time to replace “this failed extremist government.” He says there must be a government that restores security to the people of Israel, rebuilds the economy, and restores Israel’s standing in the world.

Finance Minister Smotrich, leader of the far-right religious Zionist movement, strongly criticized Gantz’s departure. “There is nothing less dignified than leaving government in times of war.” According to him, Gantz is thus playing into the hands of Israel’s enemies. This is exactly what the leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran wanted, Smotrich says.

Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beytenu is pleased with Gantz’s departure. “Better late than never. The time has come for a Zionist alliance.”

After Minister Gantz left the war government, Minister Ben Gvir asked Prime Minister Netanyahu to include him in the war government separate from the “normal” government.

Gvir heads the far-right Otzma Yehudit party. He has no interest in reaching an agreement with Hamas. He described US President Biden’s recent peace plan as reckless and prompted him to threaten to overthrow the government. Ben Gvir has been convicted several times, including on charges of incitement to racism.