Israel-Gaza War
Netanyahu disbands his war Cabinet
The Israeli prime minister is now expected to hold consultations about the Gaza war with a small group of ministers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has disbanded the war cabinet, a significant move that comes amidst ongoing conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah across the Lebanese border. The decision follows the resignation of Benny Gantz, a moderate politician and former military chief of staff, who left the emergency coalition last week citing Netanyahu's failure to devise a comprehensive strategy for the war in Gaza and the future governance of the Strip.
The war cabinet, established shortly after the October 7 attacks by Hamas, was initially formed to manage the military campaign against Hamas and included Netanyahu, Gantz, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and observers such as Gadi Eisenkot and Ron Dermer. Gantz's departure, along with Eisenkot, has led Netanyahu to conclude that the war cabinet is no longer necessary. Instead, Netanyahu plans to consult with a smaller group of ministers, including Gallant and Dermer, for sensitive matters related to the Gaza conflict.
Netanyahu's decision to dissolve the war cabinet has significant political and military implications. Politically, it appears to be a calculated move to consolidate decision-making power and sideline far-right allies within his coalition, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who had been vying for seats in the war cabinet. Reports indicate that Netanyahu plans to make crucial decisions in private consultations with his advisers before presenting them to the broader security cabinet, effectively excluding Ben Gvir and Smotrich from the most sensitive discussions.
The dissolution of the war cabinet also comes amidst disagreements between Netanyahu and senior Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commanders. Netanyahu has emphasized that his decisions, aimed at dismantling Hamas' capabilities, have not always aligned with the military hierarchy's preferences. This tension was highlighted by Netanyahu's criticism of the military's plans to hold daily tactical pauses in fighting along a significant Gaza route to facilitate aid deliveries, a move he deemed unacceptable.
Gantz, in his resignation statement, accused Netanyahu of putting personal political considerations ahead of a post-war strategy for Gaza. He urged Netanyahu to set an agreed election date, warning against the division of the Israeli people. Gantz's departure has led to a noticeable decline in his polling numbers, while Netanyahu's self-assurance has grown, reflected in his improved poll standings.
The disbanding of the war cabinet is unlikely to significantly alter the course of the conflict, as decision-making will revert to the security cabinet. However, the political ramifications could be substantial. Netanyahu's move to exclude far-right ministers from sensitive discussions may help maintain a more moderate approach to the conflict, potentially easing international tensions, particularly with the United States.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with more than 37,000 Palestinians killed since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The IDF's campaign aims to destroy Hamas in response to the unprecedented October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the capture of about 250 hostages. Despite international pressure for a ceasefire, Netanyahu's government remains committed to its goal of dismantling Hamas' capabilities.
Netanyahu's decision to dissolve the war cabinet and shift to smaller consultation forums reflects his strategic approach to managing the conflict and navigating the complex political landscape. As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, Netanyahu's leadership and decision-making will remain under close scrutiny, both domestically and internationally.