2024-01-08 05:08:20
Title: Division in Israeli wartime government intensifies as dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s performance grows
After three months of the Gaza war, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is facing mounting criticism and division within his wartime government. The inability to achieve declared goals in the war has led to increased tensions, with three ministers of the National Unity Party boycotting a cabinet meeting held on Sunday.
Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who leads the National Unity Party, was also boycotted despite not being part of Netanyahu’s coalition government. The rift between IDF chief Herzi Halevi and far-right ministers has escalated, particularly following an investigation announced by Halevi into military and security failures in the October 7 Hamas attack, which angered ministers, including the far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Benguir.
Despite the tensions, the Unity Party has taken a stance in defense of Halevi. This has further deepened the divide, as far-right leaders strongly disagree with many other positions of the wartime government, including issues such as evicting Palestinians from Gaza and facilitating Jewish immigration.
Adding to Netanyahu’s troubles, a new survey report has revealed that most Israelis are dissatisfied with his performance during the war. According to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation’s survey, 64 percent of respondents said that Netanyahu’s performance was not good, with 46 percent stating that Benny Gantz is the most qualified person to lead the government.
Only 25 percent of respondents favored Netanyahu, and if elections were to be held now, the National Unity Party would win 33 seats compared to the Likud party’s chance of winning 20 seats.
With tensions rising within the wartime government and growing dissatisfaction among the public, Netanyahu’s leadership is facing significant challenges as the country grapples with the aftermath of the Gaza war.
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