Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has disbanded the war cabinet, an influential body responsible for key decisions regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The move comes after Benny Gantz, a centrist opposition leader and former military chief who was a member of the war cabinet, resigned last week due to disagreements over Netanyahu's handling of the war.
The war cabinet was formed in October 2023 following Hamas' attack on southern Israel. It included Netanyahu, Gantz, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The body made important decisions throughout the course of the conflict.
Netanyahu is now expected to hold smaller forums with some of his government members for sensitive issues surrounding the war. This includes his security Cabinet, where far-right governing partners who oppose cease-fire deals and have voiced support for reoccupying Gaza are members.
The dissolution of the War Cabinet comes as Israel faces more pivotal decisions. The latest proposal for a cease-fire in exchange for the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its attack is being considered. Israeli troops are still engaged in fighting in the southern city of Rafah and against pockets of Hamas resurgence elsewhere. Violence continues between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah militant group, with a Biden administration envoy in the region to help avert a wider war on a second front.
Netanyahu has been criticized for wartime decision-making influenced by ultranationalists in his government and his desire to remain in power. He denies these accusations and says he has the country's best interests in mind.
Gantz's departure from the government, while not posing a direct threat to Netanyahu's rule, rocked Israeli politics at a sensitive time. The popular former military chief was seen as a statesman who boosted Israel's credibility with its international partners at a time when Israel finds itself at its most isolated.
