Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved the influential War Cabinet tasked with steering the war in Gaza, Israeli officials said Monday. This decision comes after a key member of the body left the government due to frustrations with Netanyahu’s handling of the war.
The departure of Benny Gantz, a centrist former military chief, earlier this month was expected to lead to the dissolution of the War Cabinet. Gantz’s absence makes Netanyahu more reliant on his ultranationalist allies to govern as the war in Gaza continues.
Going forward, Netanyahu will hold smaller forums with some government members for sensitive war-related issues, including the security Cabinet where far-right governing partners who oppose cease-fire deals are members.
The War Cabinet, consisting of Gantz, Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, was formed at the start of the war. They made crucial decisions throughout the conflict.
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The decision to dissolve the War Cabinet comes amid critical decisions facing Israel and Hamas, including a potential cease-fire deal and ongoing fighting in Gaza and Lebanon.
Netanyahu has faced pressure from various sources during the war, including the U.S., global opposition, and his government partners who threaten to topple the government over a cease-fire deal.
Gantz’s departure has shaken Israeli politics, as he was viewed as a statesman who enhanced Israel’s international credibility. Netanyahu’s government, the most religious and nationalist in Israel’s history, now relies heavily on far-right allies for support.
