Major tension between Netanyahu, Gantz in war cabinet: Israeli sources

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
24 Oct 2023 23:36

Israeli sources have also pointed out discrepancies between the statements and actions of the Israeli occupation forces, especially regarding a potential ground operation in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 (AP)

Citing sources, Israeli media on Tuesday revealed "significant tensions" mounting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Security Minister Yoav Gallant.

Political commentator Dana Weiss of the Israeli TV broadcaster Channel 12 commented on a video clip showing Netanyahu speaking, and suddenly Gantz leaving during the conversation.

Commenting on the clip, Weiss said There is no doubt that there "is a lot of tension" between the Prime Minister and the Minister of Security.

Weiss further added that Netanyahu and Gantz "only work together through the war cabinet, while each of their aides has their agenda."

Yesterday, the Israeli media brought attention to substantial disagreements within the Israeli leadership concerning the planned ground operation in Gaza.

The meeting, which occurred over the weekend and extended for seven hours, concluded with a reduced number of participants and unanimous support for Netanyahu's position.

Before this, discussions had taken place within Israeli political circles regarding the possibility of the leadership canceling the ground invasion of Gaza.

According to Israeli media, the army conveyed to the leadership that "there will be consequences for a ground invasion, but there is no way around it." At the same time, it was reported the military holds a predominant belief that Netanyahu is showing indecision and vacillation when it comes to the ground invasion.

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that there currently is a crisis of confidence between Netanyahu and the Israeli army, adding that "after 17 days of the attack on Israel, everyone is trapped. Netanyahu is angry at the army, which he blames for everything that has happened, and he finds it difficult to decide to enter Gaza. According to witnesses at the army's headquarters, the discussion there is not focused, and there is no one coordinating the civilian effort."

Israeli sources have also discussed the discrepancies between the statements made and the actions taken by the IOF, particularly concerning the potential ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

Channel 13 stated that "despite the resolute statements we hear about the war's objectives, some who have been briefed in the Knesset on the Israeli army's plans expressed concern that there is a gap between the statements and the actual actions."