Overview
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Tzachi Hanegbi and named deputy Gil Reich acting head of Israel’s National Security Council, effective immediately, according to official statements.
- In his departure note, Hanegbi said he shares responsibility for the October 7 failures and called for a thorough investigation to restore public trust.
- Israeli media have reported prolonged disagreements between Netanyahu and Hanegbi over the Gaza war, including opposition to a full takeover of Gaza City and to operations targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar.
- Haaretz reported that Reich’s appointment is expected to be temporary as Netanyahu selects a permanent replacement.
- Opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot criticized the firing, calling it an evasion of responsibility for the October 7 debacle.