An Israeli minister cancelled a widely anticipated speech announcing his resignation from the government on Saturday as he hailed a daring and successful mission to rescue four hostages from Hamas.
Benny Gantz, a war cabinet minister in Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, had been due to give a speech about withdrawing from the coalition, but postponed it after news broke that four hostages had been freed from Gaza by special forces.
The former Israeli army general is a fierce critic of Mr Netanyahu and had given the Israel leader a deadline of June 8 for confirming plans for the end of the war.
But instead of resigning on Saturday, Mr Gantz issued a statement heaping praise on the Israeli troops who took part in the operation.
“I would like to praise the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, Yamam, the Shin Bet on the complicated and brave operation that was planned and carried out in an inspiring manner,” he said.
“Even today, my heart goes out to all the families of the hostages. We are committed to doing everything to return them home,” the minister added.
Boost for Netanyahu
It was not immediately clear if Mr Gantz had abandoned the plan for his departure or was simply postponing it so that the focus remained in Israel on the successful rescue mission.
The apparent shelving of Mr Gantz’s resignation plans are a boost for Mr Netanyahu, as his departure would have the prime minister more dependent on extremist supporters in the Knesset who want to occupy the Gaza Strip and build settlements there.
Mr Gantz had also accused Mr Netanyahu – who prior to the war was on trial for corruption charges which he denies – of breaking a major taboo in Israeli society by putting his own political career ahead of national security interests.
“Personal and political considerations have begun to penetrate into the holy of holies of Israel’s security,” Mr Gantz had said, echoing concerns held by some in Israel that Mr Netanyahu has been prolonging the war as a means of remaining in power.
“If you choose the path of fanatics and lead the entire nation to the abyss, we will be forced to quit the government,” Mr Gantz had also warned.
The announcement of the rescue marks the third time that Israeli forces have managed to rescue hostages alive from the Gaza Strip.