Former Israeli Defence Minister Gallant resigns from Knesset

Former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes in Gaza, resigned from the Knesset on Wednesday. 

"There are moments when you need to stop," Gallant said, adding that he plans to remain a part of the Likud Party in Israel despite leaving political life. 

Of his time within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, Gallant said he "insisted on continuing the alliance with the US, there is no substitute for it".

He was often at odds with Netanyahu, who fired him from his defence post in November. 

"Recruiting Haredim is a necessary need. I was removed from my position because I insisted on it," Gallant said on Wednesday, referring to ultra-Orthodox Israelis who do not enlist in the Israeli forces due to strict religious study. 

Like Gallant, Netanyahu also faces an ICC arrest warrant for war crimes in Gaza.