Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
High-profile Israeli politician Benny Gantz has withdrawn his party from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wartime unity government, saying he made the decision "with a heavy heart, yet wholeheartedly".
One of three war cabinet ministers, Mr Gantz, who has become increasingly critical of Mr Netanyahu’s war strategy in recent months, said “Netanyahu is preventing [Israel] from progressing towards a true victory”.
In particular, he and his allies, along with a growing segment of Israeli society, accuse Mr Netanyahu of not prioritising the release of Israeli hostages.
"I want to ask the hostages' families for forgiveness," Mr Gantz said in his address. "We did a lot but we failed.
"We have not succeeded in returning many of the hostages home. The responsibility for this is mine, too."
His departure does not deprive Mr Netanyahu of his original four-seat majority – considered a strong one in Israeli politics – but it does leave him more vulnerable to far-right ministers.
They are threatening to topple the government if it does not pursue their militaristic, ultranationalist agenda, even as Israel comes under increasing international pressure over the toll of the Gaza war.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Sunday posted a letter on X demanding to be added to the war cabinet.
“The time has come to make brave decisions, achieve real deterrence and bring security to the residents of Israel,” Mr Ben-Gvir wrote.
Mr Netanyahu's first public reaction was to appeal to Mr Gantz to not "abandon the battle" after the war cabinet minister resigned from the government.
"Benny, this is not the time to abandon the battle – this is the time to join forces," Mr Netanyahu said in a post on X.
Mr Gantz is also widely considered to be Mr Netanyahu’s main rival for the post of prime minister.
For months. opinion polls predicted a significant victory for Mr Gantz’s National Unity party, although some recent surveys have shown Mr Netanyahu regaining a lead.
Mr Gantz brought his party into the government shortly after the October 7 Hamas-led attacks.
He joined the newly formed war cabinet. His close political ally, Gadi Eisenkot, joined as an observer.
Both men have extensive military experience and are viewed by Israel’s allies as far better placed to direct wartime operations than many in Mr Netanyahu’s original, far-right coalition.
In May, Mr Gantz set June 8 as a deadline for Mr Netanyahu to commit to a mutually agreed strategy for Gaza, or he would leave the coalition.
He was expected to announce his withdrawal in an address on Saturday night, but cancelled at the last minute seemingly because of news that four Israeli hostages had been rescued from captivity in Gaza.
After the operation, Mr Netanyahu issued a tweet asking Mr Gantz to stay.
Read more about the coronavirus
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
CABINET%20OF%20CURIOSITIES%20EPISODE%201%3A%20LOT%2036
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
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