Gideon Sa'ar leaves Gantz camp, requests entry to Israeli War Cabinet
4 Min Read
Israeli reports suggest that Israeli MK Gideon Saar is shifting his allegiance within the Israeli government as he seeks a post in the War Cabinet.
-
Former IOF chief Gadi Eisenkot, left, Benny Gantz, center, and Gideon Sa'ar pose together in 'Ramat Gan', occupied Palestine, August 14, 2022 (AP)
Israeli Knesset Member Gideon Sa'ar, representing the National Unity party, declared his decision to part ways with Benny Gantz's faction during a conference convened in "Tel Aviv" on Tuesday.
Sa'ar said, "While acknowledging the integrity of my colleagues within the National Unity faction in the security cabinet, it's evident that our perspectives diverge significantly."
"I firmly assert our collective demand to join the security cabinet to actively shape policy in alignment with our priorities," he added.
The Israeli MK, known for changing his stances, stressed the need for a reassessment of the strategic direction pursued by the current administration.
He underscored the importance of maintaining relentless military pressure to "dismantle Hamas" and cautioned against any compromises that might inadvertently empower the Resistance.
Furthermore, Sa'ar revealed his intention to seek the reinstatement of the New Hope faction through a petition to the chair of the Knesset's house committee.
Responding to Sa'ar's decision, Gantz conveyed his gratitude and well-wishes through a post on X. "Thank you and good luck," he said.
Sources close to Itamar Ben Gvir reported that If Netanyahu responds to Sa’ar’s request to join the war cabinet, Ben Gvir will demand to join the war cabinet.
Netanyahu falling out of favor?
The ongoing Israeli divisions come after it was reported that the sitting Israeli administration would not last very long.
A recent US declassified intelligence assessment has cast doubts on the political future of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while also questioning "Israel's" ability to achieve its objectives in the ongoing war on Gaza.
This marks a first as it is unconventional for spy agencies to offer insight on a US ally's political prospects.
"Netanyahu’s viability as leader as well as his governing coalition of far-right and ultraorthodox parties that pursued hard-line policies on Palestinian and security issues may be in jeopardy," the 40-page report titled which was released on Monday read.
"Distrust of Netanyahu’s ability to rule has deepened and broadened across the public from its already high levels before the war, and we expect large protests demanding his resignation and new elections," it continued. "A different, more moderate government is a possibility."
Recent media reports have indicated heightened tensions between the US and "Israel" after Biden warned against a Rafah ground invasion, warnings that Netanyahu is apparently dismissing. A report by Politico earlier in the day revealed that the US President is reportedly considering the idea of tying military aid to "Israel" to the prospect of a major invasion in Rafah.
Netanyahu's Political Peril
In the occupied territories, criticism within Netanyahu's circle against the Israeli leadership has been relatively harsh due to the October 7 operation. Many believe this to be a total failure of the security apparatus upon which Israelis pride themselves.
For Netanyahu, his hold on power rests on dodging snap elections and maintaining a majority in the Knesset. He has vowed to stay in power until the regime declares a "total victory" over the Palestinian resistance.
Yet pressure continues to mount from two opposing sides: One from opposition leader Benny Gantz and the other from Security Minister Yoav Gallant. Observers believe that if elections were held now, Gantz would easily defeat Netanyahu.
Gantz has not dismissed the possibility of working with the Palestinian Authority for post-war plans. He has also expressed positive responses to the possibility of a two-state solution, a path that has garnered favor among White House officials.
