Does split in Israel's cabinet threaten Netanyahu's grip on power?

Analysis

Mazal Mualem

Jan 20, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz attend a press conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv on October 28, 2023 amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) and Minister Benny Gantz attend a press conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Oct. 28, 2023. — ABIR SULTAN//AFP via Getty Images

JERUSALEM — Conflict within Israel's war cabinet between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot is growing over the premier’s reluctance to discuss plans for postwar Gaza. National Unity party members are pressuring the two former generals to quit the cabinet and Netanyahu’s far-right government.

When Gantz joined the emergency war cabinet formed by his bitter rival, Netanyahu, more than three months ago, he described the move as a partnership of need rather than of politics.

Moving from the opposition into government five days after the war against Hamas began on Oct. 7, Gantz brought with him Eisenkot, who had replaced him as chief of the Israel Defense Forces in 2015 and joined him in the political trenches in 2022.

Amid unprecedented challenges Israel faced after the fiasco of Oct. 7, the two acceded to Netanyahu's request not only to offer their combined military expertise, but also to signal unity to a traumatized populace.