Netanyahu accuses Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of pushing 'false leaks' amid hostage crisis

Israeli media reported over weekend that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of security leaks following which tensions erupted over the meeting of the country's war cabinet that's leading the country's unprecedented military response to October 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel.

According to Israeli broadcaster Kan's correspondent, Netanyahu reportedly hinted at this issue by saying: "Every time I sit in small meetings with the defence minister, the head of the Mossad, and the head of the Shin Bet - everything is leaked. I know that it's not the head of the Mossad and not the head of the Shin Bet, so who could it be?"

Gallant was not present during that particular meeting but several ministers and leaders of the security establishment were in attendance.

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The Israeli security and military leadership have previously voiced concerns about discussing cabinet-related matters "out of fear of leaks."

Previously, the differences between Netanyahu and Gallant have come out in the open amid the raging war in Gaza that has brought Israel global condemnation for the fierce nature of humanitarian crisis in the blockaded Palestinian enclave where about 34,000 people have been killed since October 7.

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For instance, Netanyahu claimed earlier this month that a date for the Rafah aggression had been set. But Yoav Gallant later debunked these statements during a visit to Washington, according to Axios.

US President Joe Biden's administration has issued multiple calls for Israel to defer a ground offensive in Rafah, unless it presents a feasible plan to evacuate civilians.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains at the centre of public opposition as his wartime government continues to be engulfed by weekly protests led by the families of hostages in Gaza.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defence Minister Gallant and Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz are bitter political rivals but make up the core of the emergency cabinet deciding Israel’s most consequential war matters.

(With inputs from agencies)