First signs of internal dissent in Israeli cabinet over Gaza war

Israel's Channel 12 reported that several senior cabinet ministers told Benjamin Netanyahu that it is time to begin efforts to end the war in the Gaza Strip.

According to the Hebrew-language outlet, these ministers, along with other senior officials in the Israeli cabinet, told Netanyahu: “With each day that passes, the political losses are surpassing the operational benefits of the war.”

The Israeli TV network noted that these remarks by the ministers came after a tense conversation between Netanyahu and Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, during which Trump urged him to stop the war in Gaza.

Channel 12 added that since October 7, 2023, the idea of halting the Gaza war had not been discussed within the ruling coalition.

The network, citing unnamed informed sources, also revealed new details about the phone call between Netanyahu and Trump on Monday, stating that Trump made remarks that had not been previously voiced by the U.S. government and appeared decisive.

According to Channel 12, Trump clearly told Netanyahu: “I want you to stop the war.”