Become a Member
Israel

Ben-Gvir, Smotrich lash out over Gaza military withdrawal

The right-wing ministers say Netanyahu is in danger of losing his mandate

April 8, 2024 10:54
F221229YS100-1320x880.jpg

ByJC Reporter, Jewish News Syndicate

1 min read

Right-wing ministers lashed out on Monday over the Israel Defense Forces’ withdrawal the previous day from southern Gaza, saying the move harms the war effort and that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu risks losing his mandate should the military fail to fully eliminate Hamas.

“If the prime minister decides to end the war without a large-scale offensive in Rafah to defeat Hamas, he will not have a mandate to continue serving,” tweeted National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Netanyahu to immediately convene the Security Cabinet, which he argued had been sidelined.

“The only forum authorised to make significant decisions is the full [Security] Cabinet, but unfortunately this is not how things are happening, and we are seeing decisions being made in the smaller [War] Cabinet without approval…[and] under international pressure that is harming the war’s momentum and our interests,” said Smotrich.