Centrist minister Gantz's resignation leaves Netanyahu reliant on hardliners

Govt’s coalition majority not threatened but it may find it harder to gain broad support

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Israeli minister Benny Gantz announced his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency government on June 9, withdrawing the only centrist power in the embattled leader’s far-right coalition amid a months-long war in Gaza.

The departure of Mr Gantz’s centrist party will not pose an immediate threat to the government.

But it could have a serious impact nonetheless, leaving Mr Netanyahu reliant on hardliners, with no end in sight to the Gaza war and a possible escalation in fighting with the Lebanese Hezbollah.

In May, Mr Gantz presented Mr Netanyahu with a June 8 deadline to come up with a clear day-after strategy for Gaza, where Israel has been pressing a devastating military offensive against the ruling Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Mr Netanyahu brushed off the ultimatum soon after it was given.

On June 9, Mr Gantz said politics was clouding fateful strategic decisions in Mr Netanyahu’s Cabinet. Quitting while hostages were still in Gaza and with soldiers fighting there was an excruciating decision, he said.