Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the dissolution of Israel’s six-member war cabinet during a meeting of the political-security cabinet, as reported on Monday.

The decision follows pressure from nationalist-religious coalition partners advocating for a more aggressive stance in Gaza, despite international calls for restraint.

Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz's resignation from the government weakened the centrist influence in Netanyahu's far-right coalition, which has been navigating months of the genocidal aggression in Gaza. Gantz criticized Netanyahu for lacking a clear post-war plan for the besieged Palestinian territory, calling for elections and urging a new approach to secure the release of captives held by Hamas.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure from hardline coalition members like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who have pushed for continued military action in Gaza. A proposed new war cabinet, heavily influenced by Smotrich and Gvir, would likely strain Israel's relations with international allies.

The original war cabinet was formed on October 11, 2023, shortly after the start of Israel’s genocidal aggression on Gaza. Following Gantz and former Chief of the General Staff Gadi Eisenkot's exit on June 13, Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and ministers Ron Dermer and Aryeh Deri remained as its members.

This development underscores the internal divisions within Israel’s government over its Gaza policy and the broader implications for regional stability amid ongoing conflict. (ILKHA)