“Israeli” war cabinet minister Benny Gantz said Sunday he was quitting the government after threatening last month to leave over the lack of post-war strategy for the Gaza Strip.

"We are leaving the unity government with a heavy heart," Gantz said in televised statements.

“Leaving the government is a complex and painful decision,” Gantz said. “Our participation in the war council was for our shared destiny, not a political partnership.”

He called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold an election as soon as possible, adding that the elections must bring about a “true national Zionist unity government".

He said that the political considerations of Netanyahu’s government are “hindering the strategic decision in the Gaza war.”

Gantz also expressed his support for the latest deal announced by US President Joe Biden.

In response, Netanyahu called on Gantz not to "abandon the battle".

"Benny, this is not the time to abandon the battle -- this is the time to join forces," Netanyahu said on his “X” account.