Gantz Calls on Netanyahu to Resign

Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz called on Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to resign in the wake of the attorney general’s decision to seek indictments against him on corruption charges.

“Given the publication of the attorney-general’s recommendations this evening, and the circumstances that have been created, sitting together (in government) with Binyamin Netanyahu is not an option,” Benny Gantz said in a statement.

Gantz said it was a “sad day” for Israel, and that the country can’t have a “half-time prime minister” preoccupied with his own legal defense.

“Don’t forget, the country belongs to all of us,” he said at a press conference in Tel Aviv. “You chose your own benefit over the country’s. That is a bad decision.”

“I won’t sit [in a government] with Binyamin Netanyahu. Binyamin Netanyahu, I appeal to you from here tonight: Show national responsibility, and resign from your position. If and when you can prove your innocence, you can return to public service with your head held high.”