Israel forms war management cabinet

The cabinet will include former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer as an observer.

Published: October 11, 2023 12:35pm

Israel formed a war management cabinet on Wednesday as it faces terrorist threats both from Gaza, the northern border and the interior. 

Members include Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and ex-Defense Minister Benny Gantz. The cabinet will also include two observers, Gadi Eisenkot, a former army chief from Gantz's party, as well as Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who served as Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. from 2013 to 2021.

The agreement creating the cabinet also states that during the war, the Knesset, Israel's parlimentary body, will not pass any legislation unrelated to the war, according to "The Jerusalem Post."

The emergency cabinet notably excludes Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

More than 1,200 people in Israel were killed Saturday when Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel from Gaza. The massacre of men, women, children and the elderly marked the bloodiest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

Meanwhile, cities across the northern part of Israel are under lockdown after a suspected aerial infiltration from Lebanon, where Hezbollah and Hamas terrorists are known to have gliders and drones.

Follow Madeleine Hubbard on X or Instagram.

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News