Benny Gantz, a key rival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced his resignation from the war Cabinet on Sunday due to the lack of a postwar plan for the Palestinian enclave.

Gantz’s departure comes amid intense global and domestic criticism over the high Palestinian civilian death toll in Gaza, increasing pressure on Netanyahu.

In a televised address, Gantz criticized Netanyahu for obstructing Israel’s path to “a real victory” and called for elections to establish a more trusted government.

Netanyahu responded on social media, urging unity and continuation of the campaign until all war objectives, including the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas, are achieved, NBC News has reported.

Gantz had previously warned he would withdraw his party if a postwar plan was not formulated by June 8, a deadline Netanyahu missed.

Despite Netanyahu’s appeal for unity, Gantz decided to resign, advocating for an agreed election date to prevent further division among the Israeli people.

Written by B.C. Begley