Israel PM dissolves war council amid Gaza crisis

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has dissolved the country’s six-member war cabinet in a significant political move, announced during a meeting of the political security cabinet the previous evening.

The decision to dissolve the war cabinet comes in the wake of Benny Gantz’s departure from the coalition government. Gantz, who served as the coalition leader, left a void that has prompted political recalibrations within the Israeli government.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for their nationalist-religious stances, advocated for the continuation of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, despite calls for restraint from international allies such as the United States.

They proposed forming a new war cabinet featuring coalition party leaders to oversee military decisions.

However, Netanyahu has reportedly declined this suggestion, citing that the war cabinet was part of the coalition agreement with Gantz and was no longer necessary after his departure.

Netanyahu stated, “The cabinet was in the coalition agreement with Gantz, at his request. As soon as Gantz left – there was no need for a cabinet anymore.”

Moving forward, Netanyahu is expected to consult on Gaza war matters with a smaller group of ministers, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who were part of the former war cabinet.

The dissolution of the war cabinet is a shift in Israel’s internal political dynamics as it navigates ongoing security challenges and seeks to maintain diplomatic relationships amidst heightened regional tensions.