Netanyahu Dismisses Israel’s War Cabinet Amidst Resignations and Protests

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved Israel’s war cabinet on Monday following the resignations of two key members last week.

The cabinet, consisting of six political leaders including Netanyahu, was responsible for making major decisions regarding Israel’s war in Gaza.

Netanyahu attributed the decision to dissolve the cabinet to the resignation of Benny Gantz, leader of the centrist Israel Resilience Party, stating that “As soon as Gantz left—there is no need for a cabinet anymore.”

Last week, Gantz criticized Netanyahu’s handling of strategic decisions in Gaza and called for new elections.

The announcement about the war cabinet comes two days after thousands of Israelis protested against the Netanyahu government, shutting down major highways in Tel Aviv and demanding new elections and a hostage deal, in what appears to be one of the largest protests since October.

Netanyahu is expected to consult with a smaller group of ministers from his own right-wing Likud party for future war-related discussions. These ministers are likely to include Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, reported.

Israeli media reported that the decision to disband the war cabinet was a response to demands from Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far right National Security Minister, to be included after Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot resigned last week.

The Israel-Hamas war began after the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in approximately 250 people being taken hostage. At least 37,000 Palestinians have been killed since then, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, figures that are disputed by the U.S. and the U.N.