Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved the influential war cabinet responsible for directing the war in Gaza, Israeli officials revealed Monday.
Mr Netanyahu made the decision days after the departure of Benny Gantz, who was a key cabinet member. When he resigned, Mr. Gantz lambasted the prime minister’s handling of the war.
Israeli officials, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the change with the media, said that in the future Mr. Netanyahu will hold forums more restricted with certain members of his government to discuss sensitive issues linked to the war.
The war cabinet was formed early in the war, when Mr. Gantz, head of a centrist opposition party, joined the coalition in a show of unity after Hamas’ attack on southern Israel , October 7. He had demanded that a small decision-making body lead the war, aiming to sideline far-right members of Mr Netanyahu’s government.
The cabinet was composed of three members: Mr. Gantz, Mr. Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Together they made important decisions throughout the war.
The departure of Mr. Gantz, even if it does not constitute a direct threat to Mr. Netanyahu’s regime, shakes Israeli politics at a sensitive moment. The popular former military leader was seen as a statesman who boosted Israel’s credibility with its international partners at a time when Israel finds itself increasingly isolated.
Mr. Netanyahu’s government is Israel’s most religious and right-wing.
In Israel’s divisive parliamentary system, Mr. Netanyahu relies on a group of small parties to help him keep his government afloat. Without the support of Mr. Gantz’s party, Mr. Netanyahu could be even more beholden to far-right allies who have repeatedly pledged to overthrow the government if their demands are not met.
Mr. Netanyahu’s opponents say his wartime decision-making was influenced by the ultranationalists in his government. Mr. Netanyahu denies these accusations and assures that he has the country’s interests at heart.