Israel: Benny Gantz Resigns from Government, Calls for Early Elections

Opposition Leader Accuses Netanyahu of Mismanagement

Gantz Citing Lack of Cohesion in Government as Reason for Resignation

Former Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz has resigned from the country's emergency government, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of mismanaging the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. Gantz, who heads the centrist Blue and White party, called for early elections in order to "restore trust and stability to the government."

In a televised address to the nation, Gantz outlined his concerns with the Netanyahu government. He criticized the government's handling of the pandemic, which has seen Israel suffer one of the highest per capita death rates in the world. He also criticized the government's economic policies, which he said had deepened the country's economic crisis.

Gantz's resignation is a significant blow to Netanyahu, who has faced increasing pressure from within his own party and from the opposition to step down. Netanyahu, who is Israel's longest-serving prime minister, has been in power for more than 12 years. He faces corruption charges and has been criticized for his handling of the pandemic and other crises.

The resignation of Gantz leaves Netanyahu in a precarious position. He could call for early elections, as Gantz has demanded, but this would be a risky move. Netanyahu would need to win a majority of seats in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in order to remain in power. If he fails to do so, he would be forced to step down.

Netanyahu could also try to form a new government without Gantz. However, this would be difficult, as Gantz's Blue and White party is the second-largest party in the Knesset. Netanyahu would have to find other parties to join his coalition government, and this could involve making significant concessions to those parties.

The political crisis in Israel is likely to continue in the coming months. Gantz's resignation has thrown the country's future into uncertainty, and it remains to be seen whether Netanyahu will be able to remain in power.