Netanyahu disbands war cabinet: What’s next for Israel?

In an unexpected move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the country’s military cabinet, CNN reports. This move, the report said, comes just over a week after opposition leader Benny Gantz stepped down from the body, claiming a lack of preparation for the Gaza conflict.

Brief history of the war cabinet

The war cabinet was formed on October 12, five days after Hamas-led terrorist striked on October 7 killed over 1,200 Israelis and abducted an estimated 240 captives. The cabinet was first created as an “emergency government” to address the issue with Israeli politician and retired army general Benjamin “Benny” Gantz, current Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Netanyahu confidant Ron Dermer, and former general Gadi Eisenkot serving as observers. Notably, far-right coalition members including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir were removed, partly at Gantz’s request.

Gantz’s exit and its aftermath

On June 9, Benny Gantz announced his resignation from the war cabinet, accusing Netanyahu of prioritising political considerations over strategic military decisions. Gantz’s departure, followed by Eisenkot’s, left the cabinet’s future in jeopardy. Gantz criticized Netanyahu’s approach, stating, “Netanyahu prevents us from moving forward to a real victory [in Gaza].” He also called for elections, emphasising the need to avoid further division among Israelis.

Ben-Gvir’s demands and Netanyahu’s response

With Gantz out of the picture, Ben-Gvir saw an opportunity to push for membership in the war cabinet. Netanyahu’s decision to dissolve the cabinet entirely can be interpreted as a deliberate effort to avoid having to approve or reject Ben-Gvir’s request. An Israeli official told CNN that future military choices will be handled by the security cabinet, with Netanyahu consulting smaller groups on sensitive issues. It is uncertain whether Ben-Gvir will take part in these conversations.

The broader conflict: Gaza and the West Bank

The disbandment of the war cabinet takes place against the backdrop of an intensifying conflict. Since the October 7 attacks, Israel’s reaction has resulted in the deaths of over 37,000 Palestinians in Gaza, with 70% of them women and children. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly as a result of a brutal embargo that prevents access to critical supplies. In the West Bank, violence has increased, with over 508 Palestinians dead since the conflict began.

Calls for peace and accountability

As tensions grow, organisations such as the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) have called for the peaceful release of all captive civilians and a stop to the violence. They emphasise the significance of addressing the conflict’s core causes, which include historical and present Palestinian displacement as well as the realities of life under occupation.

Is there a path forward?

Netanyahu’s decision to abolish the military cabinet complicates an already dangerous situation. The world is keeping a close eye on Israel as it navigates internal political dynamics and external challenges from the protracted conflict. Will this move lead to more effective decision-making, or will it further complicate efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region?