In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved the war cabinet, a move anticipated after the resignations of former Defense Minister Benny Gantz and his partner Gadi Eisenkot. The war cabinet was initially established to manage military operations and the Israeli response to the Gaza conflict following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Netanyahu stated that with Gantz’s departure, the war cabinet’s purpose has been fulfilled and that future consultations on sensitive issues would occur with a smaller group of ministers. This group includes Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, both of whom were part of the original war cabinet and National Security Council Chairman Tzachi Hanegbi and Shas party president Aryeh Deri who served as an observer in the war cabinet, according to Haaretz .The dissolution of the war cabinet has taken place amid increasing protests against Netanyahu’s government and its management of the war with Hamas. Critics have accused Netanyahu of being unduly influenced by ultranationalist elements within his government who are opposed to a ceasefire. The conflict has resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the capture of nearly 240 people. Netanyahu has emphasized the need to take bold decisions to achieve real deterrence and provide security for all residents of Israel. As the situation unfolds, Israel faces pivotal decisions, including the proposal for a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages taken by Hamas.
Key points
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved the war cabinet following the resignation of Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot.
- Netanyahu will continue to consult on sensitive issues with a select group of ministers, excluding ultranationalist coalition partners.
- The dissolution of the war cabinet comes amid protests and calls for early elections before October 7th.
