Dissolution came after opposition leader Benny Gantz resigned and far-right coalition members demanded inclusion
Formed in response to conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved war cabinet on June 17, 2024
Shift towards more frequent meetings of National Security Cabinet (NSC) and ad-hoc security consultations with selected ministers
War cabinet included Netanyahu, Benny Gantz, Yoav Gallant, Ron Dermer and Aryeh Deri among others
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the dissolution of Israel's war cabinet during a meeting with the National Security Cabinet on June 17, 2024. The decision came after opposition leader Benny Gantz withdrew from the war cabinet and faced calls from far-right coalition members to join it. Netanyahu had previously rejected their request, stating that there was no need for a cabinet without Gantz.
The war cabinet, which included Netanyahu, Gantz, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Shas chairman MK Aryeh Deri as observers among others, was formed in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. However, its dissolution marks a shift towards more frequent meetings of the statutory National Security Cabinet (NSC) and ad-hoc security consultations with selected ministers.
Gantz's resignation from the government was described as a complex and painful decision, as he accused Netanyahu of failing to devise a strategy for the war in Gaza and future governance of the Strip. He urged Netanyahu to hold an election in the coming months, while also facing pressure from his far-right coalition partners.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had called for a new war cabinet with heavy influence enjoyed by themselves. However, their request was rejected by Netanyahu who stated that the existing war cabinet was in the coalition agreement with Gantz at his request.
The dissolution of the war cabinet is seen as Netanyahu's strategy to deflect demands from Ben-Gvir and Smotrich to be added to it. It remains to be seen how the NSC will operate in terms of sensitive information leaks.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the dissolution of Israel’s war cabinet in a meeting with the National Security Cabinet.
Netanyahu faced calls from far-right coalition members to join the war cabinet but rejected their request.
Accuracy
The war cabinet was formed as part of the coalition agreement with National Unity MK Benny Gantz, who subsequently left.
No new cabinet will be formed following Gantz’s exit, according to Netanyahu.
Instead of a new cabinet, the statutory National Security Cabinet will convene more frequently and ad-hoc security consultations will be held when necessary.
Netanyahu stated in the government plenum’s weekly cabinet meeting that he made decisions to eliminate Hamas’ capabilities that were not always acceptable to the military echelon.
