Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has disbanded Israel’s six-member war cabinet, a decision revealed at a political-security cabinet meeting on Sunday evening, according to reports on Monday. This move comes in the wake of Benny Gantz’s departure from the emergency government, a departure that has heightened the demands from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners for a new war cabinet.

The dissolution of the war cabinet marks a significant shift in Israel’s political landscape, particularly as the country faces ongoing military engagements. Gantz, a more moderate political figure, had been a stabilising force within the emergency government, his exit underscoring the growing ideological rift within the ruling coalition.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, both prominent figures in the nationalist-religious wing of Netanyahu’s coalition, have been vocal in their insistence on continuing the military campaign in Gaza. Their stance has been at odds with international calls for restraint, including from key allies such as the United States. These coalition partners have been pressuring Netanyahu to form a new war cabinet that would include leaders from their own parties, ensuring a more hardline approach to the conflict.

The internal dynamics of Netanyahu’s coalition have been strained by differing opinions on the Gaza bombardment, with Smotrich and Ben Gvir leading the charge for a more aggressive military strategy. Their demands highlight the delicate balance Netanyahu must maintain within his government, balancing the hawkish views of his nationalist-religious partners with the pragmatic considerations of international diplomacy and domestic stability.

The decision to dissolve the war cabinet suggests a potential reshaping of Israel’s approach to its military strategy and political governance. As Netanyahu navigates these turbulent waters, the formation of a new war cabinet remains a contentious issue that will likely define the next phase of his administration.

Netanyahu has yet to announce the structure or members of any new war cabinet, leaving open questions about the future direction of Israel’s military and political strategy. The Prime Minister’s office has remained tight-lipped on the specifics, suggesting that internal deliberations are ongoing.

This development adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation in the region, as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza and faces both domestic and international scrutiny. The coming days will be crucial in determining how Netanyahu will balance the competing pressures from within his coalition and from the global community.