Israeli minister cancels resignation speech after hostages rescued from Gaza

An Israeli minister cancelled a speech announcing his resignation from the government on Saturday as he hailed a daring and successful mission to rescue four hostages from Hamas in Gaza.

Benny Gantz, a war cabinet minister in Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, had been due to give a speech about withdrawing from the coalition, but cancelled it after news broke that the hostages had been freed by special forces.

Mr Gantz, a former Israeli army general, is a fierce critic of Mr Netanyahu and had given him a deadline of June 8 for confirming plans for the end of the war.

But instead of resigning on Saturday, he issued a statement heaping praise on the Israeli troops who had taken 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.”

It was not immediately clear whether Mr Gantz had abandoned plans for his departure or was simply postponing them so that the focus remained in Israel on the successful rescue mission.

The announcement of the rescue marked the third time Israeli forces have rescued hostages alive from the Gaza Strip.

The apparent shelving of his plans is a boost for Mr Netanyahu, because 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,” he warned.

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