Middle East

NPR - Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel's war cabinet and longtime rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has resigned. Gantz gave Netanyahu an ultimatum three weeks ago to come up with a plan to replace Hamas, or he would resign. His announcement came one day after Israel rescued four hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7. The rescue operation killed more than 270 Palestinians and left around 700 wounded, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Eyewitnesses where the operation took place described a scene of bloody chaos and confusion to NPR producer Anas Baba.  Gantz's departure won't topple Israel's government. But it will make Netanyahu more dependent on his far-right allies, NPR's Hadeel Al-Shalchi tells Up First. She reports Gantz has accused Netanyahu of putting his own political survival above freeing the rest of the hostages in Gaza.