Why Gantz's possible exit from Israeli government is not end for Netanyahu

JERUSALEM — Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel’s war cabinet, might resign from the government by Saturday night, following his ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on presenting a plan for the day after the Gaza war.

The move will revert Netanyahu’s governing coalition to its pre-war makeup of 64 right-wing and ultra-Orthodox legislators. 

The possible walkout by Gantz and his fellow National Unity Knesset members, who joined the government at Netanyahu’s urging to help deal with the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre and the ensuing war in Gaza, would be a major political event for the country. Israel is not only mired in the fighting on its southern and northern fronts, but also in the midst of a political and social crisis.

Gantz and two other members of his National Unity party have been credited with tempering the hold on Netanyahu of radicals such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.