The Israeli government shake-up comes as U.S. and Israeli officials are set to renew a push to strike a deal with Hamas to free hostages and halt the war. But after the Israeli military rescue operation on Saturday, Israel’s strategic position in Gaza remains little changed, while the fallout may give both sides reason to harden their positions.
On Sunday, a centrist member of Israel’s war cabinet, Benny Gantz, resigned from the government over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza conflict. Gantz, leader of the National Unity party and a war cabinet member, departed due to perceived lack of long-term strategy for the conflict and other concerns. He criticized hesitancy and political considerations in making crucial strategic decisions regarding the war in Gaza.
Gantz’s exit from the government marks the end of Israel’s unity at the war’s onset. This development is likely to ignite antigovernment protests and calls for early elections. Analysts suggest elections could occur as soon as this summer, but more likely early next year, if at all. In his speech on Sunday, Gantz urged Netanyahu to schedule elections for the fall.