Tel Aviv | Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved the influential war cabinet that has overseen the fighting in Gaza, a government spokesperson said on Monday (late AEST), days after a key member of the body bolted from the government over frustration with the Israeli leader’s handling of the war.

The move was widely expected following the departure of Benny Gantz, a centrist former military chief. Mr Gantz’s absence from the government increases Mr Netanyahu’s dependence on his ultra-nationalist allies, who oppose a ceasefire. That could pose an additional challenge to the already fragile negotiations to end the eight-month war in Gaza.

AP