In a surprising move, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, has disbanded his war cabinet following the resignation of two key members. The decision comes after Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot stepped down last week due to disagreements about the direction of the war in Gaza.
According to an Israeli official, Netanyahu’s decision to dissolve the five-member war cabinet is largely symbolic. The move came after far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, the country’s minister of national security, demanded a seat on the council. As a result, major decisions regarding the war, such as a cease-fire, will now be put to a separate and broader security cabinet.
Netanyahu will now rely on an informal group of advisers to make important military decisions, analysts say. The Israeli military has also announced a pause in fighting, halting operations during daylight hours in parts of southern Gaza to allow more aid to reach residents.
In other news, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea for a two-day trip, highlighting the deepening military ties between the two countries. As Russia continues its war in Ukraine, both sides are exchanging artillery fire, with Russia in need of ammunition that North Korea can provide.
Meanwhile, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy is pushing Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms, similar to those on tobacco and alcohol products. The labels would advise parents about the potential harm social media can have on teenagers’ mental health.
In sports news, long-acting contraception is changing lives in Africa, with more women turning to hormonal implants and injections for reproductive autonomy. The number of women in the region using modern contraception has nearly doubled over the past decade, with factors such as increased awareness and improved access driving the change.
