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

In a daring move that has rocked the political landscape of Israel, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has publicly turned against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticizing his lack of a “day-after plan” for Gaza. This latest development comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with five Israeli soldiers recently killed in a friendly-fire incident in Gaza.

Gallant’s televised statement has not only exposed the longstanding animosity between him and Netanyahu, but it has also shed light on the prime minister’s indecision and the potential consequences of his strategic shortcomings. By procrastinating on establishing civilian rule in Gaza, Netanyahu has inadvertently created a power vacuum that has allowed Hamas to regroup and pose a renewed threat to Israeli security forces.

The Defence Minister’s outspoken criticism reflects growing concerns within the Israeli security apparatus about the lack of a coherent strategy for dealing with the ongoing conflict in Gaza. With Israeli troops risking being drawn into a protracted and costly war, Gallant is calling for a new approach that would challenge Hamas’s grip on power and provide a political pathway for regional and international cooperation.

As Israeli soldiers continue to perish in Gaza, Gallant’s bold stance may just be the beginning of a larger backlash against Netanyahu’s leadership. With mounting pressure to take decisive action, the prime minister’s “total victory” rhetoric appears increasingly detached from the complex realities on the ground.

As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, it is clear that Netanyahu’s war plan is built on shaky foundations. Gallant’s challenge to the prime minister may just be the wake-up call needed to reevaluate Israel’s approach to the conflict and pave the way for a more sustainable and peaceful resolution in the region.