Netanyahu forms war cabinet with rival Benny Gantz amid war on Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Oct 2023 19:52

Opposition leader Yair Lapid has not joined this temporary coalition, although the joint statement mentioned that a place would be "reserved" for him in the war cabinet.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz makes press statements in Athens, Greece, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas)

In light of the ongoing escalations with Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political rival Benny Gantz on Wednesday have decided to form an emergency government.

In the midst of what is being referred to as "Israel's 9/11" crisis, Prime Minister Netanyahu made a political agreement with Gantz which involved Netanyahu agreeing to temporarily suspend his government's judicial overhaul plan.

However, his far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies will still be part of the government.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid has not joined this temporary coalition, although the joint statement mentioned that a place would be "reserved" for him in the war cabinet.

"Israel before anything else," Gantz wrote in a social media post while the far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote that he "welcomes the unity, now we must win".

Gantz expressed his priority as "Israel before anything else" in a social media post, while the far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, voiced his support for unity and the need to secure victory.

"Congratulations on the alliance, now we have to win," Ben-Gvir wrote on X.

"Israel" has been facing a severe internal division lately as a result of the judicial amendments the Netanyahu government had approved.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip reported earlier today that the number of martyrs from the Israeli aggression had risen to 1,055 martyrs, noting that 5,184 people have been reported injured and more than 140,000 people sought refuge after their homes were destroyed through air raids and white phosphorous.

The Ministry also reported that the Israeli occupation is deliberately targeting medical teams, healthcare institutions, and ambulances to stifle rescue operations. The Health Ministry added that medical teams are working in dangerous and unsafe conditions, but they remain committed to their duties towards their people.

"Israel" says it has concentrated its forces, including tanks and heavy armored units, around Gaza as part of its counter-retaliation.

On another note, US President Joe Biden has committed to providing additional ammunition and military equipment to its ally, "Israel."