Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s three-person war cabinet, announced his resignation on Sunday. Gantz’s departure does not immediately destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's majority coalition in parliament, but it does increase Netanyahu's reliance on his far-right allies.
Gantz, a former military chief, joined Netanyahu's government after the October 7 Hamas attack, to present a unified front. His presence enhanced Israel's international credibility, particularly with U.S. officials. Gantz had previously stated he would leave the government by June 8 if Netanyahu failed to devise a postwar plan for Gaza.
On Saturday, Israel conducted a significant raid to rescue four Israeli hostages from the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza. The operation resulted in at least 274 Palestinian deaths, including 64 children and 57 women, according to Gaza's health ministry. Over 700 individuals were wounded. The Israeli army reported that around 100 Palestinians were killed, without specifying the number of militants.
The hostages rescued included Noa Argamani, 26; Almog Meir Jan, 22; Andrey Kozlov, 27; and Shlomi Ziv, 41. The operation involved extensive air and ground assaults and heavy combat, resulting in additional Palestinian casualties. Chief Inspector Arnon Zmora, an Israeli police counterterrorism officer, died from injuries sustained during the mission.
The operation has intensified calls for a ceasefire and negotiations, with significant domestic and international reactions. Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell Fontelles condemned the bloodshed, and a protest of over 100,000 people took place in Tel Aviv, urging Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire. Israeli tanks advanced into new districts on Sunday, continuing the conflict. Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa of the Palestinian Authority has called for an emergency UN Security Council session.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 37,000 Palestinian deaths and significant infrastructure destruction in Gaza. U.S. intelligence and logistical support contributed to the raid. The Israeli government stated that remaining hostages total around 120, with 43 confirmed dead.