Netanyahu dissolves war cabinet

Netanyahu dissolves war cabinet

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz. Photo 

The decision comes after the resignation of centrist Gantz and will disappoint hardliners aiming to increase their influence on the Gaza conflict, Al Jazeera reports on June 17th.

Benjamin Netanyahu has declared the dissolution of Israel’s six-member war cabinet.

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Reports on Monday, June 17th, indicated that the Israeli leader announced the decision during a political security cabinet meeting the previous evening. Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners have been advocating for a new war cabinet following the resignation of the more centrist Benny Gantz from the emergency government.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and nationalist-religious Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have demanded the continuation of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, despite calls for restraint from allies such as the United States. They have also called for the formation of a new war cabinet that includes coalition party leaders.

However, Netanyahu has reportedly rejected their demands, according to The Jerusalem Post:

The cabinet was in the coalition agreement with Gantz, at his request. As soon as Gantz left – there is no need for a cabinet any more.

The Israeli prime minister is now expected to consult on the Gaza war with a select group of ministers, including Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who were part of the war cabinet.

Al Jazeera and The Jerusalem Post

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