Jerusalem (APP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Disbanded his War Cabinet. Monday, a move that strengthens its influence over the war between Israel and Hamas and potentially reduces the chances of a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip anytime soon.
Netanyahu announced a few days after his main political rival, Benny GantzThe three-member war cabinet resigned. Gantz, a retired general and member of parliament, was widely seen as a more moderate voice.
Major war policies will now be approved only by Netanyahu's security cabinet – a large body dominated by hardliners who oppose the US-backed. Armistice proposal And want to proceed with the war.
An Israeli official said on condition of anonymity that Netanyahu is expected to consult with close allies on some decisions in ad hoc meetings because he was not authorized to give media briefings.
These closed-door meetings can erode the influence of hardliners. But Netanyahu himself has shown little enthusiasm for the ceasefire plan, and his reliance on a full security cabinet could give him cover to delay the decision.
Here's important background on the War Cabinet, and what its removal means for the prospect of an armistice:
Why did Gantz join and then leave the War Cabinet?
The war cabinet was formed after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 when Gantz, the leader of an opposition party, joined Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yves Gallant in a show of solidarity.
At the time, Gantz demanded that a smaller decision-making body lead the war in an effort to sideline the far-right members of Netanyahu's government.
But Gantz Left the cabinet. After months of heightened tension over Israel's strategy in Gaza earlier this month.
He said he was fed up with the lack of progress in bringing back dozens of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. He accused Netanyahu of preparing for war To avoid fresh elections And the corruption case. He called on Netanyahu to endorse a plan that would — among other things — free the captives and end Hamas rule in Gaza.
When Netanyahu did not express support for the plan, Gantz announced his departure. He said that “destined strategic decisions” in the cabinet “are met with hesitation and delay due to political considerations.”
How will Israel's wartime policies be changed?
Dismissing the war cabinet further alienates Netanyahu from mainstream politicians who are more open to a cease-fire deal with Hamas.
Months of cease-fire talks have failed to find common ground between Hamas and Israeli leaders. Both Israel and Hamas have been reluctant to fully support the US-backed plan, which would begin efforts to return the hostages, clear the way for an end to the war and rebuild the devastated region.
Netanyahu will now rely on members of his security cabinet, some of whom have opposed ceasefire agreements and expressed support for the recapture of Gaza.
After the departure of Gantz, Israel's ultra-nationalist national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called for a revamped War Cabinet. Monday's move may help keep Ben Goyer at bay, but it may not sideline him entirely.
This move also gives Netanyahu an opportunity to wage war to stay in power. Netanyahu's critics accuse him of delaying because the end of the war would mean an October 7 inquiry into government failures and raise the prospect of new elections if the prime minister's popularity declines.
“That means he will make all the decisions himself, or with people he trusts who challenge him,” said Gideon Rahat, chairman of the political science department at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute. “Don't,” a Jerusalem think tank. “And his interest is gradually in war.”