In a significant development in Israel’s military strategy, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved the six-member war cabinet established on October 11 to oversee the country’s military campaigns against Hamas and Hezbollah. This decision follows the departure of centrist former general Benny Gantz, a key member of the coalition government led by Netanyahu.
The war cabinet, which included Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, was formed in response to escalating tensions with Hamas and Hezbollah. However, with Gantz’s resignation from the coalition government, Netanyahu has opted to disband the war cabinet and instead consult with a smaller group of ministers.
Gantz’s departure from the government stemmed from what he perceived as Netanyahu’s failure to devise a comprehensive strategy for managing the Gaza war, particularly in light of recent attacks and hostage situations orchestrated by Hamas.
Since the October 7 attack by Hamas, Israel’s military operations against the group have resulted in significant casualties, with more than 37,000 Palestinians reportedly killed, according to figures from the Palestinian health ministry. The military offensive has also inflicted substantial damage on Gaza, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has expressed concerns about the deteriorating situation, with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians facing food insecurity.
Amidst these developments, the Israeli military recently announced a temporary cessation of hostilities during daytime hours along a specific route in southern Gaza to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians. However, Netanyahu reportedly criticized this move, emphasizing his stance on maintaining pressure on Hamas.
The dissolution of the war cabinet reflects ongoing challenges within Israel’s political landscape and the complexities of managing military campaigns against militant groups in the region. Netanyahu’s next steps in addressing the Gaza war and navigating internal coalition dynamics will be closely watched as the situation continues to unfold.
Sources By Agencies
