JERUSALEM: Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government on Sunday due to disagreements over a post-war plan for Gaza.

The centrist politician, also a former general and defense minister, departed from the emergency body after his plan was not approved by Netanyahu.

Gantz's resignation marks a significant political blow to Netanyahu's coalition, which is comprised of religious and ultra-nationalist parties.

Gadi Eisenkot, another former army chief and member of Gantz's party, also left the war cabinet, reducing the body to three members.

Netanyahu expressed his disappointment, urging Gantz to not abandon the battle.

Far-right coalition partners, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, reacted strongly to Gantz's departure.

Gantz also pushed for hostages' release to be a priority and criticized the government's failure in securing a deal.

The situation has intensified pressure on Netanyahu, whose government is reliant on a narrow majority in parliament.