Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has disbanded Israel’s six-member war cabinet, a key decision amid ongoing tensions and conflict in the region.
The dissolution was announced at a political security cabinet meeting on Sunday evening, following the departure of coalition leader Benny Gantz from the government.
Gantz, a former military chief and key political figure, had been instrumental in the formation of the war cabinet, which was established to provide focused leadership during times of conflict. His exit prompted a reassessment of the cabinet’s necessity.
Nationalist-religious Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had been advocating for the continuation of the Gaza bombardment. Despite calls for restraint from international allies, including the United States, Smotrich and Ben-Gvir pushed for a new war cabinet that would include coalition party leaders. However, Netanyahu declined their proposal.
Netanyahu explained his decision: “The cabinet was in the coalition agreement with Gantz, at his request. As soon as Gantz left – there was no need for a cabinet any more.”
Moving forward, Netanyahu plans to consult on Gaza-related matters with a select group of ministers, including Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who were part of the now-dissolved war cabinet. This streamlined approach aims to maintain strategic oversight while adapting to the new political landscape.
