![Benny Gantz](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5335x4001+333+0/resize/1300/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2Ffc%2Fb27851b542ccb5d21f75c99b2717%2Fgettyimages-2059118672.jpg)
“Netanyahu is preventing us from reaching real victory,” said Gantz, a former Israeli army chief, in his Sunday evening speech. He called on Netanyahu to set a date for new elections to take place by the fall.
Gantz’s resignation — delayed by a day due to Israel’s rescue of four hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza — reflects a growing discontent among the Israeli public and moderates with the protracted war in Gaza and Netanyahu's far-right political partners.
His departure will not topple Netanyahu’s government, analysts say, but without Gantz, a centrist, Netanyahu will now be more dependent on his far-right partners. Polls have shown that Gantz would beat Netanyahu in an election.