Israel's centrist War Cabinet Minister, Benny Gantz, announced his resignation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's emergency government on Sunday and called for new elections.

In response, Netanyahu released a statement saying that "Israel is in an existential war on several fronts. Benny, this is not the time to abandon the campaign."

In a televised press conference, Gantz accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over a ceasefire deal that would secure the release of about 100 hostages held in Gaza.

"Unfortunately, Netanyahu is preventing us from advancing toward the real victory," said Gantz. "Strategic decisions are met with hesitation due to political considerations."