Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked further controversy by overruling an order from his defence minister to build a field hospital in Israel for sick Gaza children. This decision highlights growing divisions within Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, particularly concerning the ongoing war in Gaza and its devastating impact on civilians. The international community has been vocal in its criticism of the high civilian toll in the conflict.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced earlier this week his order for the construction of a temporary hospital in Israel specifically to treat sick children from Gaza. This initiative was discussed in a call between Gallant and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, with reports suggesting the hospital would be located near the Israeli-Gaza border. The purpose was to provide medical assistance to children suffering from conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses who lack access to proper treatment within the Palestinian territory.
However, the prime minister’s office issued a sudden announcement on Thursday, declaring that Netanyahu does not approve the establishment of a hospital for Gazans on Israeli territory, effectively halting the project. An Israeli official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, revealed that the defence ministry had initially approached the prime minister’s office two weeks ago, urging them to expedite the evacuation of patients, especially sick children, from Gaza. The lack of response prompted Gallant to issue the order for a field hospital as an immediate solution.
This move has been characterized as a politically motivated decision, with the official stating that the prime minister “cancelled the order and, for political reasons, blocked a humanitarian solution.” The decision has reignited tensions between Netanyahu and Gallant, who are known rivals. In March 2022, Netanyahu dismissed Gallant, a former general, following his public opposition to judicial reforms, prompting widespread protests. The recent developments underscore the deeply divided nature of Netanyahu’s coalition, with this latest decision further fueling the debate over the Israeli government’s approach to the conflict in Gaza.
