Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disbanded his war Cabinet on Monday, consolidating his influence over the Israel-Hamas war and potentially reducing the chances of a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip in the near future. This decision followed the withdrawal of Benny Gantz, Netanyahu's chief political rival and a retired general, from the three-member war Cabinet, leaving Netanyahu with greater control over major war policies.
The disbanding of the war Cabinet means that decisions regarding the conflict will now be approved solely by Netanyahu's security Cabinet, which is predominantly composed of hard-liners who oppose the U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal and advocate for continuing the war. While Netanyahu may consult with close allies in ad-hoc meetings, the move is expected to give him more authority in prolonging the conflict.
The war Cabinet was initially formed after a Hamas attack on Israel in October, with Gantz joining to provide a more moderate voice. However, Gantz left the Cabinet due to disagreements over Israel's strategy in Gaza, particularly regarding the handling of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. His departure further distances Netanyahu from centrist politicians who are more open to a cease-fire deal with Hamas.
The failure to reach a consensus on a cease-fire plan has led to ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu's reliance on the security Cabinet, which includes members who oppose cease-fire agreements and support reoccupying Gaza, indicates a shift towards a more hard-line approach to the conflict.
While the disbanding of the war Cabinet may help keep certain ultranationalist figures at bay, it also gives Netanyahu the flexibility to prolong the war for political reasons. Critics accuse Netanyahu of delaying a resolution to avoid accountability for government failures and to maintain power amidst low popularity.
Overall, the disbanding of the war Cabinet signifies a consolidation of power in Netanyahu's hands and a potential shift towards a more hard-line stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
