Tension within Netanyahu’s coalition exposed amid concerns of potential Iranian threat in Israel

Cracks are deepening in a public disagreement between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his moderate defense minister, a sign of increasing dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s management of the conflict during a crucial period. Israel is preparing for potential retaliation from Iran following an explosion in Tehran that killed a Hamas leader, an incident attributed to Israel. Additionally, talks for a new cease-fire between Israel and Hamas are scheduled to resume later this week.

In reports on Monday, the Israeli media disclosed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s disapproval of Netanyahu’s repeated statements about achieving “total victory” in the ongoing 10-month war in Gaza. Criticism has been mounting against Netanyahu for lacking clear strategic objectives, a post-war plan for Gaza, or a precise definition of what constitutes “total victory,” including from within his own government.

Gallant’s remarks were apparently made in a closed-door session before an Israeli parliamentary committee and subsequently leaked to the press. In response, Netanyahu criticized Gallant, suggesting that his focus should have been on condemning Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar instead, asserting that Gallant’s comments could jeopardize any potential negotiations for the release of hostages.

Attempting to defuse tensions, Gallant emphasized that his foremost priority is the protection of Israeli citizens and the detriment of the country’s enemies. Last year, Gallant had drawn Netanyahu’s ire by publicly opposing the prime minister’s contentious efforts to reform Israel’s judiciary, resulting in widespread protests against his dismissal, involving hundreds of thousands of Israelis.

A government official, speaking anonymously, stated that Netanyahu is not contemplating the dismissal of Gallant at present. Gallant remains one of the few moderate voices within Netanyahu’s administration following the departure of centrist Benny Gantz earlier this year from the unity coalition.