Netanyahu Dissolves War Cabinet After Key Leader Departs

(PatriotsUnited.org) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved his six-member war cabinet following the departure of centrist opposition leader Benny Gantz.

This move marks a significant shift in Israel’s political landscape amid ongoing conflicts in the region. Netanyahu announced the dissolution during a press conference at the Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Centre on June 8, 2024. He informed his ministers that he would now hold sensitive consultations within a smaller group, referred to as “the kitchen cabinet.”

The war cabinet first began when Gantz agreed to set up a national unity government with Netanyahu after the horrific Hamas attacks on October 7th. These attacks, which resulted in numerous casualties and kidnappings, spurred a unified political response. Gantz’s departure also saw the exit of his ally, Gadi Eisenkot, and Aryeh Deri who heads up the religious Shas party, who had observer status. A Middle East Institute analyst told press that the move was the result of domestic political rows, with much speculation that an election could take place soon, regardless of the ongoing war. However, they also argued that the decision showed Netanyahu felt secure in his role.

Israel’s military continues to report ongoing fights with Hamas terrorists in western Rafah, southern Gaza. Some 120 Israeli hostages are thought to still be held by terror groups in the Palestinian territory, with the prime minister facing protests from both those who favor a hostage deal and others who favor further military action.

A government spokesperson complained that the current situation was “unsustainable”. The shock decision came amid calls from nationalist-religious factions within his fractious coalition, including from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that they be allowed to join the war cabinet. The inclusion of this pair, who have both made offensive remarks about Israel’s Arab populations and have varying links to hardline ideologies, would likely incur major backlash from Israel’s Western allies including the U.S.

Israel also continues to spar with Hezbollah on its northern border with Lebanon, as the terror group continues to fire short-range missiles into its territory. The group received extensive training and funding from the Iranian regime. On Monday Israel said it had successfully neutralized a senior operative in the group’s rocket and missile division. There is speculation that Israel could launch a short-term invasion of southern Lebanon in the coming months in order to force Hezbollah further north, where it would have to use longer-range missiles to target Israel.

Copyright 2024, PatriotsUnited.org

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