Netanyahu dissolves war cabinet - demonstrations tonight demanding elections

(Patria) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved the war cabinet, which was formed after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7 last year.

According to Times of Israel, Netanyahu addressed the war cabinet late last night, a small group of senior officials from several parties established on October 11 to manage operations against Hamas and Hezbollah, stating that it has been officially dissolved.

The leader of the centrist National Unity party, Benny Gantz, one of the three cabinet members, left the war cabinet last week. The dissolution was expected after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir demanded to be included in the war cabinet's deliberations.

Netanyahu is expected to make critical decisions about the war during ad hoc meetings with a smaller group of officials without Ben Gvir, seeking approval for decisions from the broader security cabinet, reports Times of Israel...

At the same time, Israel is being shaken by large anti-government demonstrations. According to local media, protesters blocked a number of key highways and roads with their cars for the second day in a row. They are demanding elections and a deal to release hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attacks.

Large demonstrations have been announced for tonight, scheduled to take place at 7 PM in front of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, after which protesters will march towards Prime Minister Netanyahu's residence.

Demonstration organizers announced yesterday that their goal is to bring a million people to the streets. They demand that Israel hold elections before the anniversary of Hamas's attack.