Israeli minister Benny Gantz resigns fromNetanyahu's war cabinet and calls forelections | BBC News

Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz has quit theemergency government and called for elections, in asign of deepening divisions over Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu's plans for Gaza.

Announcing his resignation at a news conference inTel Aviv Mr Gantz said: "Mr Netanyahu is preventingus from approaching true victory, which is thejustification for the painful ongoing crisis". He calledon Mr Netanyahu to set a date for new elections.

Recently Mr Gantz had set a deadline for Mr Netanyahu to explain how Israel would achieve its six"strategic goals" including the end of Hamas rule inGaza and the establishment of a multinational civilianadministration for the territory.

A retired army general and frequent critic of MrNetayanhu, some in Israel have suggested that Mr Gantz could be the country's next prime minister.

Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Jeremy Bowen.