Israel's prime minister has reacted to the resignation of Benny Gantz from the country's war cabinet. Benny Gantz resigns from Israeli governmentThe country's centrist war cabinet minister was expected to make the move yesterday, but delayed it following the rescue of four hostages from Gaza.He also called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to set an election date.
The departure of Mr Gantz does not pose an immediate threat to Mr Netanyahu's governing coalition, but it could have a serious impact. The uncle of rescued hostage Almog Meir Jan has spoken to reporters today following his nephew's return. "Yesterday, we had a very big surprise that Almog arrived in an incredible operation that the Israel Defence Forces did," he added. The Hamas-run health ministry has said 274 Palestinians were killed during the operation. The Israel Defence Forces has released some more details about yesterday's hostage rescue.
The operation was named after Commander Arnon Zamora who was killed while trying to rescue the captives. "We inform you that against these, your army killed three prisoners in the same camp, one of whom holds American citizenship," Hamas said. Speaking after his nephew, Almog Meir Jan, returned home, Aviram Meir said the trio, made up of Almog, Andrey Kozlov and Shlomi Ziv, had made a"wonderful team".