Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Oct. 21, replaced his National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, effective immediately, after reported disagreements over policies during the war in Gaza. Gil Reich, who was Hanegbi’s deputy, will immediately become acting head of the National Security Council and National Security Adviser. Before taking up the deputy role in 2022, Reich served as deputy director of Israel’s Atomic Energy Commission. Reich’s appointment is expected to be temporary, however.
According to [Haaretz, writing on Oct. 22, leaked reports have appeared in the media of serious disagreements between Hanegbi and Netanyahu, including what sources said was Hanegbi’s opposition in security cabinet meetings to the recent operation to conquer Gaza City. Hanegbi also reportedly opposed Israel’s failed attempt to assassinate the leaders of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha, in September, but supported exhausting contacts aimed at a deal for the release of a portion of the hostages who were being held in Gaza at the time.
