The **Israeli War Cabinet** is a specialized ministerial committee established by the Israeli government to manage national security and wartime decision-making. It is formally known as the Ministerial Committee for National Security Affairs and is mandated by the Government Law of 2001. The cabinet includes key ministers such as the prime minister (who chairs it), defense, justice, national security, and finance ministers, with the option to include additional members up to half the size of the full government. This structure allows for focused, high-level coordination during times of conflict or crisis[1]. Historically, the War Cabinet has the unique authority to decide on matters of war. According to Israel's Basic Law, Article 40(a)(1), the government can delegate the decision to go to war to this cabinet permanently, a power formalized in 2018. Activation of this authority depends on the prime minister’s assessment of security needs, diplomacy, or confidentiality concerns[1]. The War Cabinet gained prominence in recent times, notably during the 2023–2024 Gaza conflict, when a three-member war cabinet was formed on October 11, 2023, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and National Unity party leader Benny Gantz. This formation aimed to stabilize governance amidst crisis and limit far-right influence. However, internal disagreements quickly emerged, with Gallant and Gantz publicly criticizing Netanyahu’s handling of the war and postwar plans for Gaza, threatening to withdraw unless their strategic demands were met. This infighting signaled a potential collapse of the cabinet, reflecting deep political and strategic tensions within Israel’s leadership during wartime[2]. The Israeli War Cabinet remains a crucial but politically sensitive body designed to centralize war powers and navigate complex security challenges. Its evolving composition and internal dynamics significantly impact Israel’s conflict management and broader governance during emergencies, making it a key institution at the intersection of politics, security, and national resilience[1][2].