Israel’s National Security Chief Steps Down in Row Over Gaza Deal

Jerusalem, 21 October, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Tzachi Hanegbi, a longtime Knesset member and former cabinet minister from the ruling Likud Party, announced Tuesday night that he has resigned as head of Israel’s National Security Council after Prime Minister Netanyahu informed Hanegbi of his intention to appoint someone new to the post.

Hanegbi is rumored to have been forced out due to disagreements with Netanyahu and others over the re-occupation of Gaza and his support for the ceasefire deal that was made without first ensuring that Hamas has been destroyed.

Hanegbi took some blame for the failures of October 7 saying in a statement, “The terrible failure of October 7, in which I share, must be thoroughly investigated to ensure that the appropriate lessons are learned and to help restore the trust that has been shattered.”

“Most importantly,” he added, “we must work to heal the wounds in Israeli society and strengthen the unity within us. The strength of Israeli unity has been revealed in full force on the battlefield in the past two years, shattering the illusions of our enemies.”

“The multi-sectoral campaign that was forced upon us on October 7, 2023, is not over,” said Hanegbi. “Our fighters stand guard on many fronts, and the mission to return all of our hostages is not yet complete. Nor has the obligation to ensure – by political or military means – that the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip are removed from power and disarmed, and that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel been fulfilled.”