Israeli war cabinet dissolution complicates regional situation

Editor's note: On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved the war cabinet that has overseen the fighting in Gaza. How will this development shape the regional situation? Two experts share their views with China Daily. Excerpts follow:

A temporary measure that had to go one day

The driving factor behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deciding to dissolve the wartime cabinet was the proactive resignation of key member and opposition leader Benny Gantz. The wartime cabinet was originally Gantz's suggestion, and Netanyahu took advantage of the situation arising from his exit to dissolve the wartime cabinet and enhance his role.

Second, the wartime cabinet that came up following the Hamas attack on Oct 7, 2023, was always meant to be a temporary measure. With Israel largely completing its major combat missions by destroying a significant portion of Hamas's military capabilities, it was only logical for Netanyahu to dissolve it.
Third, as the conflict dragged on, other members of the wartime cabinet were growing increasingly dissatisfied with Netanyahu's vague policies.

Furthermore, the growing internal political division in Israel and the continuous communication between the United States and Gantz, as well as Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, fuelled the disintegration of the wartime cabinet.
Fourth, with Israel's march toward general elections now inevitable, and various factions gearing up for it, it was the right time for the dissolution.

Fan Hongda is a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute, Shanghai International Studies University.