Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant allegedly left a war cabinet meeting on Saturday night after a disagreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as relations between the two men directing the campaign against HAMAS deteriorated.
When Gallant arrived at Tel Aviv’s Kirya military facility, Prime Minister’s Office officials informed him that his chief of staff, Shachar Katz, would be denied entry because aides would be barred, local media reported.
However, according to Channel 13, Netanyahu had taken five assistants with him. An unnamed source told the network that participants were informed before the meeting that aides would not be permitted, but Gallant arrived late “and didn’t get the memo.”
According to reports, the cabinet meeting was designated as closed to aides, and Gallant's military secretary, Brig. Gen. Guy Markizano was allowed to enter the meeting. But the defence minister refused to accept the situation and left, taking Katz and Markizano with him.
“Stop disturbing me!” Gallant reportedly told Netanyahu and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi before leaving.
It is also claimed that National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi tried to calm Galant by saying, "Even I didn't keep my aides here". The response was "You forgot that you're also an aide," according to Walla.
According to Kan Public Television, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi did not attend the meeting. The war cabinet’s primary members are Netanyahu, Gallant, and Minister Benny Gantz, who brought his National Unity party into the government to help manage the combat, which began on October 7.
Gallant returned to the meeting one hour later. According to accounts, no aides were present during that part of the meeting.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has reportedly accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of endangering Israel's security, the latest schism to emerge amongst the country's officials over the Gaza conflict.
Last month, Channel 12 alleged that Netanyahu prevented Mossad chief David Barnea and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar from attending a recent meeting with Gallant and army chief Halevi to discuss military operations.
