Analysis: Netanyahu’s war plan is a fantasy – and his defence minister won’t be the last person to publicly turn on him

The rift between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, has been thrust into the spotlight once again as Gallant publicly criticises Netanyahu’s lack of a coherent plan for Gaza. In a dramatic move, Gallant took to television to express his concerns about the prime minister’s indecision, suggesting that it was putting the country’s security at risk.

This public spat comes at a time when Israeli soldiers have been killed in a friendly-fire incident in Gaza, highlighting the ongoing challenges the Israeli military faces in the region. Despite previous efforts to dismantle Hamas battalions in Gaza, the militant group has regrouped and remains a threat, demonstrating the need for a more comprehensive strategy.

Netanyahu’s call for “total victory” in Gaza is deemed a fantasy by many, as history has shown that militant groups have a tendency to regenerate over time. It is clear that a new approach is needed, one that offers an alternative to Hamas and creates a political pathway for Arab states and the West to support.

Gallant’s public criticism of Netanyahu is a bold move, but one that reflects growing frustration within the Israeli security establishment. With Israeli soldiers continuing to die in Gaza, it is likely that more voices will join Gallant in calling for a decisive action from the prime minister. Netanyahu’s war plan may be seen as a fantasy, but the consequences of his inaction are all too real.