Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved his six-member war cabinet, a predicted move that comes after the resignation of centrist opposition leader Benny Gantz and his ally Gadi Eisenkot citing a lack of strategy.
There had been calls for far-right ministers to take Gantz’s place, but many predicted Netanyahu would choose to dissolve the cabinet as a way to avoid political complications with his coalition and international allies. A source in the Israeli government said the pre-existing security cabinet will make war decisions now, alongside the government administration’s cabinet at large. Israeli newspaper Haaretz added that the 14-member cabinet, which includes “far-right” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and “far-right” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
It added that a “smaller consultation forum” would weigh in on the most delicate matters. This body is set to include Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and chairman of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party Aryeh Deri—all of whom were members of the now-dissolved war cabinet.
BREAKING: Netanyahu disbands war cabinet, with war decisions now to be made in small consultations with relevant officials.
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) June 17, 2024
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A spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the move would not affect its operational command structure. The war cabinet’s responsibilities will now be transferred to the security cabinet and a smaller consultation forum including key ministers, which will likely produce a noticeable change in Israel’s war conduct with Hamas.
Netanyahu told government ministers about his decision to dissolve the strategic body on Sunday night. ‘The war cabinet was in the coalition agreement with… Benny Gantz at his request. With Mr Gantz leaving the government, there is no more need for this extra branch of government,” he reportedly said, according to Israeli government spokesman David Mencer. “The security cabinet is granted authority by the state to make decisions together with the full cabinet.”
As Valuetainment previously reported, Gantz announced his resignation on Saturday, June 9th, adding that Netanyahu is placing his own “political survival” over National Security. Gantz had joined Netanyahu’s administration to stress political unity, a move which earned Israel favor with more moderate US politicians and international actors.
“Unfortunately, Netanyahu is preventing us from achieving true victory, which is the justification for the painful and ongoing price,” he said, adding that Netanyahu is “making empty promises” and that the government must adjust its tactics as he believes the war will last for many more years.
“Cabinet members are being changed and the method is being changed. We have the echelon, we know the chain of command. We’re working according to the chain of command. This is a democracy,” said IDF chief spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, emphasizing that the dissolution would not affect the IDF.
Shane Devine is a writer covering politics and business for VT and a regular guest on The Unusual Suspects. Follow Shane’s work here.
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