Security Cabinet of Israel facts for kids

The State Security Cabinet (also called the Ministerial Committee on National Security Affairs) is a special, smaller group of leaders within the main Israeli government. It's led by the Prime Minister of Israel. Their main job is to make important decisions about how Israel deals with other countries and how it defends itself.

This smaller group helps with talks between countries. When there's a big problem, especially during a war, they are designed to make fast and good decisions for the country.

How the Cabinet Started

The idea for a Security Cabinet first came up in 1999. A political party suggested creating this group to help make good plans for peace and security. They wanted a team of experts to give advice to the government. This team would look at different situations, suggest ideas, and help the main government and the army make choices.

Later, in 2001, a law was made that officially created this group. The law said that the Prime Minister would lead it. Other important ministers, like the Defense Minister and Finance Minister, would also be part of it. The government could also add more members, but the group couldn't be bigger than half of all the government ministers.

The law also stated that this committee would discuss important issues about foreign policy, security, and settlements. The Prime Minister decides what they talk about each day and who else should join their meetings.

The "War Cabinet" during the Yom Kippur War

During the Yom Kippur War in 1973, a group of ministers came together without a set plan. They took on the job of making big decisions during that war. This group became known as "The War Cabinet." They made decisions quickly in those emergency times. The main government then approved these decisions after they had already been made. This led to questions about how such a group should work.

Recent Activities in 2023

In October 2023, the State Security Cabinet officially declared that Israel was in a state of war. This was the first time this had happened since the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

Because of the situation, the security cabinet was made larger on October 12. More members from different political parties joined the group to help make decisions.

Who is in the Cabinet?

The State Security Cabinet has a mix of permanent members and others who are invited to join.

Cabinet Members

• Permanent members:
  • Appointed by law:
    • Prime Minister of Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu, who is the leader of the cabinet.
    • Foreign Minister of Israel: Israel Katz
    • Defense Minister of Israel: Yoav Gallant
    • Justice Minister of Israel: Yariv Levin
    • Minister of Finance: Bezalel Smotrich
    • Minister of National Security: Itamar Ben-Gvir
  • Additional members:
    • Minister of Strategic Affairs: Ron Dermer
    • Minister of Transportation: Miri Regev
    • Minister of Energy: Eli Cohen
    • Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: Avi Dichter
    • Minister without a specific department: Benny Gantz
    • Minister without a specific department: Gadi Eizenkot
    • Minister without a specific department: Gideon Sa'ar
    • Minister without a specific department: Hili Tropper
    • Observer (attends meetings but doesn't vote): Yifat Shasha-Biton
    • Observer: Gila Gamliel

• People who are always invited:
  • Attorney General of Israel: Gali Baharav-Miara (the government's chief legal advisor)
  • NSC Chief: Tzachi Hanegbi (the head of the National Security Council, which advises the Prime Minister)
  • Military Secretary to the Prime Minister: Maj. General Avi Gil (a military officer who advises the Prime Minister on military matters)
  • Military Secretary to the Defense Minister: Brig. Gen. Yaki Dolf (a military officer who advises the Defense Minister)