TEL AVIV, Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved the influential War Cabinet, according to Israeli officials on Monday. This decision follows the departure of Benny Gantz, a key member who left the government in frustration over Netanyahu’s handling of the ongoing war in Gaza.
The dissolution of the War Cabinet was anticipated after Gantz, a centrist and former military chief, exited the coalition earlier this month. This move leaves Netanyahu more reliant on his ultranationalist allies, highlighting a significant shift in the government’s dynamics as the eight-month-long conflict continues.
Unnamed officials, who were not authorized to speak to the media, indicated that Netanyahu will now hold smaller forums with select government members to discuss sensitive war-related issues. This includes his security Cabinet, which consists of far-right partners who oppose cease-fire deals and advocate for reoccupying Gaza.
The War Cabinet was established shortly after the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel. At that time, Gantz, then an opposition leader, joined forces with Netanyahu in a display of unity, insisting on a small decision-making body to manage the war and marginalize the far-right elements in Netanyahu’s government. The War Cabinet included Gantz, Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and they collectively made critical decisions during the conflict.
The dissolution comes at a crucial juncture as Israel faces pivotal decisions. Both Israel and Hamas are currently considering a cease-fire proposal in exchange for the release of hostages taken during the Hamas attack. Israeli troops remain engaged in the Gaza Strip, fighting in Rafah and other areas of Hamas resistance. Additionally, violence persists between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, with a Biden administration envoy in the region attempting to prevent a broader conflict.
Throughout the war, Netanyahu has had to balance pressures from the United States and global opposition with demands from his coalition partners, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Both ministers have threatened to dismantle the government if Israel proceeds with a cease-fire deal. The current proposal represents the Biden administration’s most focused effort to de-escalate the war, though progress appears slow.
Critics argue that Netanyahu’s decisions during the war have been swayed by the ultranationalists in his government and his desire to maintain power. Netanyahu refutes these claims, asserting that his actions are in the nation’s best interest.
Gantz’s resignation, while not immediately threatening Netanyahu’s leadership, has significantly impacted Israeli politics during a sensitive period. As a respected former military chief, Gantz enhanced Israel’s credibility internationally. He now leads an opposition party in parliament.
Netanyahu’s government, noted as Israel’s most religious and nationalist to date, depends on a coalition of small parties to stay in power. Without Gantz’s support, Netanyahu is expected to become even more reliant on his far-right allies.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
