Gantz Calls For Early Elections

Israeli War Cabinet member Benny Gantz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's biggest domestic political rival, has called for early elections in September - his first such statement since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

• Gantz said in a post on X: "What is happening in the corridors of government, in the networks, on the streets - is dangerous, and must be stopped."
• Gantz last month criticised US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for a speech in Congress calling for new elections in Israel: “Israel is a strong democracy, and only its citizens will determine its leadership and future. Any external intervention in the matter is incorrect and unacceptable.”
• The Time of Israel noted on March 12: "...a potential coalition led by Benny Gantz would secure 69 seats of the Knesset’s 129 seats if elections were held today, compared to a bloc led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu which garnered 46 seats."
• Since that survey, the Netanyahu government has come under increased international scrutiny for its military strategy in Gaza and failure to secure humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Notably, former President Donald Trump - seen as a staunch ally of Netanyahu - made comments in an interview with an Israeli outlet interpreted as critical of Netanyahu's strategy. A message which hints at the extend of antipathy within the US to Israel's war effort.
• Trump said: “You have to finish up your war. You have to get it done. We have to get to peace. We can’t have this going on.”