Benny Gantz: Israeli Politician and Retired Army General

Early Life and Military Career

Benny Gantz was born on June 9, 1959, in Kfar Ahim, Israel. He joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1977 and served in various elite units. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Chief of Staff of the IDF from 2011 to 2015.

Political Career

After retiring from the military, Gantz entered politics. He co-founded the Israel Resilience party in 2019 and served as Minister of Defense from 2020 to 2021. He was also a member of the war cabinet during the 2021 Gaza conflict.

Resignation from War Cabinet

In June 2023, Gantz resigned from the war cabinet, citing concerns about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the conflict. This move dealt a significant blow to Netanyahu's government and has raised questions about the future of the coalition.

Current Role

Gantz remains a key figure in Israeli politics. He continues to lead the Israel Resilience party and is considered a potential candidate for prime minister in future elections.