Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has publicly demanded a clear “day after” strategy in Gaza from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, revealing deep divisions in the cabinet over the strategic aims of the war that has been raging for over seven months.
Netanyahu, the longest-serving Israeli leader, has faced mounting criticism for the failures that led to the Oct. 7 attack. In his sixth term as prime minister, the 74-year-old heads a right-wing coalition and is one of three members with a vote on the Gaza war strategy in the war cabinet.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, has clashed with the prime minister in the past over various issues. Gallant, 65, believes that only military pressure can achieve the goals of destroying Hamas and freeing the hostages. He has expressed frustration over the lack of post-war plans for Gaza and publicly challenged Netanyahu to make a political decision regarding the day after.
Former military chief and defence minister Benny Gantz, who now leads Netanyahu in opinion polls, has also endorsed Gallant’s call for post-war plans. Gantz, 64, is the third member of the war cabinet with a vote.
Other key players in the government include Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Minister and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, all of whom have their own perspectives and demands in the ongoing conflict.
The public demand for a clear strategy in Gaza from top government officials highlights the complexities and challenges faced by Israel in the ongoing war.