In a major shake-up within Israel’s security leadership, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, ending his three-year tenure amid rising internal divisions over Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed late Tuesday that Gil Reich, the deputy head of the National Security Council (NSC), will assume the role of acting head following Hanegbi’s departure.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanks Tzachi Hanegbi for his service as head of the National Security Council for the past three years and wishes him great success in his future endeavors and good health,” the statement read.
Hanegbi Confirms His Dismissal
In a personal statement, Hanegbi confirmed he had been informed by Netanyahu of the decision to replace him.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu informed me today of his intention to appoint a new head of the National Security Council,” Hanegbi said. “In light of this, my term as national security adviser and head of the National Security Council ends today.”
The announcement follows weeks of speculation in Israeli media about growing policy disagreements between the two officials, particularly concerning the future of Gaza and Israel’s broader military strategy.
Policy Disputes Over Gaza Strategy
Sources within Israel’s political and security establishment reported that Hanegbi had opposed a full military reoccupation of Gaza City, advocating instead for limited operations and a potential partial ceasefire deal with Hamas.
These differences reportedly widened as Netanyahu’s government faced mounting domestic and international criticism over its handling of the conflict.
Hanegbi’s removal is seen by many analysts as a sign that Netanyahu is consolidating his inner circle to ensure greater alignment with his hardline strategy in Gaza.
Call for Investigation Into October 7 Attack
In his parting message, Hanegbi also called for a “thorough investigation” into the failures that led to the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and triggered the ongoing war.
“The terrible failure … must be thoroughly investigated to ensure that the appropriate lessons are learned and to help restore the trust that has been shattered,” Hanegbi wrote.
The Netanyahu government has so far resisted calls from opposition parties and families of victims to establish a formal commission of inquiry into the intelligence and security lapses that preceded the attacks.
Opposition Slams ‘Evasion of Responsibility’
Hanegbi’s dismissal sparked sharp criticism from across Israel’s political spectrum. Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israeli army chief and now an opposition politician, said the firing represented “continued evasion of responsibility” by Netanyahu and his Cabinet.
“This decision is an expression of the continued evasion of responsibility by all Cabinet members and the Prime Minister for the October 7 debacle – in order to replace them with yes-men,” Eisenkot wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Opposition leaders have accused Netanyahu of attempting to shift blame away from his own leadership failures, while purging independent voices from Israel’s top decision-making bodies.
Who Is Tzachi Hanegbi?
A veteran member of the Likud Party and longtime Netanyahu ally, Tzachi Hanegbi has been a fixture in Israeli politics for over three decades. He has held key positions in several governments, including minister of public security, minister of intelligence, and minister of regional cooperation.
Hanegbi was appointed head of the National Security Council in 2023, at a time when Netanyahu sought to strengthen coordination between the NSC, the military, and intelligence agencies amid escalating regional tensions.
Despite his loyalty to Netanyahu over the years, Hanegbi had reportedly grown increasingly critical of the government’s strategic indecision during the Gaza war.
Gil Reich Steps In as Acting Head
Gil Reich, the incoming acting head of the National Security Council, has served as Hanegbi’s deputy since 2023 and is known for his expertise in counterterrorism and intelligence operations.
His appointment is expected to ensure continuity in national security coordination, though critics argue that Netanyahu is surrounding himself with loyalists less likely to challenge his leadership decisions.
The Israeli media has already begun speculating about potential permanent replacements, with some reports suggesting Netanyahu may bring in a senior figure from the military establishment or the Shin Bet intelligence agency.
Wider Implications for Israel’s Leadership and Gaza War
The shake-up comes as Netanyahu faces mounting domestic protests, international isolation, and strained relations with Washington. The US administration has repeatedly urged Israel to take steps toward a sustainable ceasefire and humanitarian relief in Gaza — demands Netanyahu’s government has largely resisted.
Hanegbi’s ousting may therefore mark a shift toward a tougher, more uncompromising stance in the conflict, especially as Israel’s winter offensive intensifies.
With Hanegbi’s departure, Netanyahu now faces a dual challenge: managing a war that shows no sign of ending and confronting a growing crisis of confidence at home.
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