Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a significant step by dissolving the influential War Cabinet responsible for overseeing the conflict in Gaza, as confirmed by a government spokesperson on Monday. This decision follows the departure of key member Benny Gantz, a former military chief known for his centrist views. Gantz’s exit from the government amplifies Netanyahu’s reliance on his ultra-nationalist allies, who oppose the idea of a cease-fire, further complicating the already delicate negotiations to end the eight-month war in Gaza.
The War Cabinet was initially established during the early stages of the conflict with the intent to provide critical decision-making guidance. With Gantz’s departure, Netanyahu will now engage in smaller forums to address crucial war-related matters, including discussions with his Security Cabinet comprising far-right governing partners who firmly object to cease-fire agreements and have expressed support for reoccupying Gaza.
As Israel navigates through pivotal decisions, both Israel and Hamas are assessing a new proposal for a potential cease-fire in exchange for the release of hostages taken during the conflict. Meanwhile, Israeli troops remain engaged in combat in the Gaza Strip, focusing on areas like the southern city of Rafah and combatting pockets of Hamas resurgence in various locations, in addition to a recent escalation along the northern border with Lebanon.
In recent developments, the frequency of rocket attacks by Hezbollah on northern Israel has significantly decreased after a period of intense bombardment. This reduction in hostilities coincides with the observance of the Muslim feast of Eid al-Adha and a visit from Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden, aimed at addressing the volatile situation along the Lebanon-Israel border. The U.S. has been actively involved in efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
The dissolution of the War Cabinet comes at a time when Netanyahu faces mounting pressure and conflicting interests, balancing the expectations of his government allies and international stakeholders. Criticism of Netanyahu’s decision-making during the conflict has been fueled by his government’s ultra-nationalist elements, raising concerns about his motives for remaining in power. Despite challenges, Netanyahu maintains that his actions are driven by the best interests of the country.
Gantz’s departure signifies a significant shift in Israeli politics, impacting the dynamics within the government and posing challenges for Netanyahu’s leadership. As Israel’s most religious and nationalist government to date, Netanyahu’s administration relies heavily on a coalition of smaller parties for support. The absence of Gantz’s party from this alliance is expected to strengthen Netanyahu’s dependence on far-right factions, potentially influencing the trajectory of future decisions in the ongoing conflict.