Leaked Cabinet Minutes Reveal Fierce Disputes Between Netanyahu and Security Chiefs

Leaked protocols from Israeli cabinet meetings during the war reveal sharp disagreements between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top security officials regarding the conduct of the war, including the operation in Rafah, the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and actions in Syria.

The documents, reportedly over a thousand pages, were submitted by Netanyahu to the State Comptroller as part of an inquiry that was later halted by the Supreme Court. While not verbatim transcripts, the reports from i24NEWS reflect the atmosphere and positions during key decision-making processes.

One major clash occurred in May 2024 concerning the Rafah operation. Then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conveyed strong opposition from the Biden administration, warning that Israel faced a choice between the Rafah operation and continued U.S. arms support. Then-Shin Bet head Ronen Bar and Minister Gadi Eisenkot also advised against confronting the U.S. Netanyahu, however, insisted on proceeding, emphasizing Israel's need for strategic independence and its ability to withstand pressure, even from its closest ally. Ultimately, the decision to enter Rafah was made, leading to the IDF's control of the Rafah crossing and the Philadelphi Corridor, and the defeat of Hamas's Rafah brigade.

Disagreements also surfaced regarding potential territorial concessions for a hostage deal. Gallant suggested that concessions around Rafah, including the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah crossing, could be considered. Eisenkot questioned the security benefit of a permanent buffer zone. The reports note that Hamas ultimately scuttled the deal, irrespective of Israel's positions.

Further disputes involved the expansion of operations against Hezbollah and the potential assassination of Hassan Nasrallah. Ronen Bar advocated for an ceasefire agreement, believing the damage to Hezbollah was primarily moral rather than operational, and expressed reservations about assassinating Nasrallah, deeming it not in Israel's interest at that time. Netanyahu, conversely, pushed for continued military action, garnering cabinet support for expanding the campaign, which later led to the "Beit Ha'arava" operation and Nasrallah's elimination.

The protocols also detail a disagreement between Netanyahu and then-Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi over actions in Syria following the collapse of the Assad regime. Halevi recommended caution, advising against immediate military action and suggesting remote security control rather than occupying territory like Mount Hermon. Netanyahu demanded immediate action to protect Israeli interests, emphasizing the importance of seizing strategic areas to create a security buffer. The report also includes an account of a tense phone call where Netanyahu issued an ultimatum to Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar'a to withdraw forces from Sweida, threatening increased strikes if the demand was not met. Israel subsequently attacked Syrian presidential palace and general staff headquarters, after which al-Shar'a ordered a withdrawal.

Finally, the documents touch upon a dispute between Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir in August 2026 regarding Operation Gideon's Chariots II in Gaza. Zamir warned of severe risks to soldiers due to the tight timeline and the international implications of evacuating a million residents. Netanyahu dismissed these concerns, deeming the operation feasible and essential for encircling Gaza.