Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, dismissed his military’s proposal for a temporary halt of violence for humanitarian reasons in Gaza as “not to be tolerated,” arguing that he was unaware of such plans before they were announced. His remarks were met with scepticism by many, with the belief being that his real audience was his ultra-nationalist coalition allies, who are advocating for a harsher war strategy and see the creation of safe passages for aid as undue surrender to Hamas.
Despite Netanyahu’s disapproval, reports indicate that the minor relief period was implemented much to the benefit of Gazans and the larger global community, as aid began to flow. This aroused concerns over who exactly holds power in the country and emphasized the grim reality that Netanyahu’s main, if not only, concern is securing his position amidst corruption allegations if he should fall from power.
In addition to thousands of protestors urging for elections and concessions to free hostages, Netanyahu added another protective layer to his uncertain political position by dismantling the country’s war cabinet on Monday. This was predictable, following the recent resignation of moderate ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot due to Netanyahu’s unwillingness to contemplate ideas regarding future governance of Gaza after the war, never mind accept the ceasefire package proposed by the US and supported worldwide.
Given their departure, Netanyahu was compelled to avoid requests from ultra-nationalist national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich to join the war cabinet and consequently dissolved it. The management of the war has thus been handed back to a select group of close supporters.
The situation illustrates the growing vulnerability and isolation of Israel, particularly its extremist administration, as it faces large-scale domestic demonstrations, a crumbling coalition, ongoing Israeli attacks stretching into West Bank, and skirmishes along the Lebanese border.