Netanyahu dissolves war cabinet after departure of centrist general and pressure from radical wing of government, says international agencies
The measure apparently seeks to reject the far right and also attempts to increase control over decisions made in relation to Hamas and Hezbollah.
Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly informed ministers that Benny Gantz's resignation indicated that the war cabinet was no longer needed - Photo Reproduction/Joshua Roberts/Reuters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the dissolution of the war cabinet, according to reports from several international news agencies. A high-ranking government official released the information this Monday (17), according to Reuters and Associated Press. The decision was taken due to the departure of former centrist general Benny Gantz and the growing increase in pressure coming from the more radical wing of the government that supports him in power. This development added a new layer of complexity to Israel's already tense political and military landscape.
According to the "New York Times", the dissolution had been predicted since Gantz left the government, announced on June 9th. Netanyahu is now expected to continue holding consultations on the war in Gaza with a select group of ministers, such as Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who was part of the war cabinet. Israeli officials anonymously confirmed the dissolution of the war cabinet, amid growing discontent over the conduct of the war in Gaza and calls from anti-government groups for a week of daily protests.
The departure of the Centrist General
General Avraham Ben-Eliezer, known for his moderate, pragmatic approach and a longtime political adversary of Netanyahu, became part of the government as a gesture of unity following the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7. However, resigned from his post in the war cabinet earlier this month, expressing frustration with Netanyahu's handling of the war. Ben-Eliezer, who had been an advocate of the need for a balance between security and diplomacy, had been in office since the start of the recent escalation of conflicts in the region. The creation of the cabinet was a condition imposed by Gantz and his party for joining the coalition. His departure signals a possible shift in Israel's military strategy, as more radical voices gain dominance.
Pressures from the Radical Wing
The radical wing of the government, made up of parties and political figures who defend a tougher and more uncompromising stance towards Israel's adversaries, pressure has increased on Netanyahu in recent weeks. These groups have openly criticized any sign of concession or dialogue, advocating for more aggressive military actions. The dissolution of the war cabinet could be seen as a response to these pressures, suggesting that Netanyahu may be aligning himself more closely with the more right-wing factions of his government.
Netanyahu is facing demands from his coalition's nationalist-religious allies, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, to be included in the war cabinet. This measure has increased tensions with international partners, including the United States. Ben-Gvir, leader of a far-right party, is considered the most radical minister in Benjamin Netanyahu's government. The alliance between Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir was fundamental to the formation of the government, as the latter is a fervent supporter of incursions and bombings in the Gaza Strip.
At the beginning of the year, the minister declared that he would leave the government if Netanyahu did not order the invasion of Rafah, a city located in the extreme south of Gaza, which was seen as the last shelter for Gaza civilians seeking to escape the damage caused by bombings. and by Israeli invasions.
Implications for Israeli Politics and Security
The dissolution of the war cabinet and the departure of General Ben-Eliezer raise several questions about the future of Israel's defense policy. Without a functioning war cabinet, the coordination of military operations can face significant challenges, especially at a time of intense regional tensions. Furthermore, the growing influence of the radical wing could result in a more belligerent approach, with the potential to increase hostilities and decrease the chances of diplomatic negotiations.
Netanyahu is now expected to continue holding consultations on the Gaza war with a select group of ministers, such as Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who was part of the war cabinet. Netanyahu's nationalist-religious allies, such as Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Finance, and Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of National Security, have demanded to be included in the war cabinet. This measure has increased tensions with international partners, including the United States. Netanyahu is facing domestic pressure to meet these demands, which has caused conflicts with his international allies.
Ben-Gvir, leader of a far-right party, is the most radical minister in Benjamin Netanyahu's government. To be able to form his government, Netanyahu had to ally with Ben-Gvir's party, which is known for being a fervent supporter of the incursions and bombings in the Gaza Strip. At the beginning of the year, the minister announced that he would leave the government if Netanyahu did not order the occupation of Rafah, located in the extreme south of Gaza. This city was seen as the last shelter for Gaza civilians fleeing the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes and invasions.
