Netanyahu Dissolves War Cabinet After Gantz’s Departure
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved the six-member War Cabinet, following the departure of centrist former general Benny Gantz. Netanyahu will now consult with a smaller group of ministers on the Gaza conflict, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.
This move coincided with US special envoy Amos Hochstein’s visit to Jerusalem, aimed at easing tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border, where conflict with Hezbollah, backed by Iran, threatens to escalate. The Israeli military announced the killing of a senior Hezbollah operative in southern Lebanon and continued operations against Hamas in Gaza.
Hochstein’s visit follows weeks of increased hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, leading to significant evacuations on both sides. Government spokesperson David Mencer stated that the current situation is unsustainable.
Netanyahu faced demands from coalition partners Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir to be included in the War Cabinet, which could have strained relations with international partners like the US. The War Cabinet was initially formed when Gantz joined Netanyahu in a national unity government at the start of the Gaza war in October. Gantz and his political partner Gadi Eisenkot left the government last week, criticizing Netanyahu’s lack of a Gaza strategy.
Public protests have erupted against Netanyahu’s handling of the war and the failure to secure the release of around 120 hostages held in Gaza. Demonstrations in Jerusalem on Monday saw clashes with police and calls for new elections.
The northern border experienced relative calm on the second day of the Muslim Eid celebration, despite the recent intensification of hostilities with Hezbollah. A survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute showed increasing Israeli support for immediate action against Hezbollah.
