Netanyahu disbands the war council.
Following the tragic Hamas massacre, an urgent cabinet was established in Israel, headed by Opposition Leader Gantz. However, he recently voiced criticism towards Prime Minister Netanyahu and walked away from the emergency administration. The government is now coming to an end with no successor in sight.
Israeli PM Netanyahu has scrapped his six-member emergency cabinet as per reports in the media. A rep from the PM confirmed the developments. This decision was more or less a given. Opposition leader Gantz stepped down from the cabinet a week prior, citing differences with Netanyahu regarding the Gaza War. According to sources, important decisions about ongoing conflicts will be made in smaller groups going forward.
The emergency government was set up after the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, resulting in around 1200 casualties in Israel. The emergency cabinet made crucial decisions regarding the Israel-Gaza Strip conflicts and also the clash with Lebanese Shia militia Hezbollah. Gantz joined the three-member emergency cabinet after the Hamas attack to display unity among political leaders.
However, former military chief and Defense Minister Gantz announced his departure a week back due to disputes over the Gaza War. He accused Netanyahu of indecision and political games. He also criticized the government for not having a clear plan for post-war order in the Gaza Strip.
Another member, former non-voting observer Gadi Eisenkot, also left the emergency cabinet. After their resignations, it was believed that the emergency cabinet wouldn’t last much longer. The body offered a check on Netanyahu’s far-right coalition allies. After Gantz resigned, right-wing Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded his inclusion in the emergency cabinet, which could have escalated tensions with international allies like the U.S.
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In light of his disagreements with Netanyahu over the Gaza War, former Defense Minister Gantz resigned from the emergency cabinet, leading to tensions within the Israeli government. Following Gantz's departure, the Israel war decisions have been made in smaller groups, potentially limiting the involvement of certain political leaders.
