Tel Aviv (AP): Israeli officials said on Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved the influential War Cabinet that was tasked with steering the war in Gaza.

The War Cabinet was dissolved following the departure from the government of Benny Gantz, an opposition lawmaker who had joined the coalition in the early days of the war. He had demanded that a small Cabinet be formed as a way to sideline far-right lawmakers in Netanyahu's government. Gantz, Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant were its members and made key decisions together throughout the war.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the change with the media, said that going forward Netanyahu would hold smaller forums with some of his government members for sensitive issues.

Gantz, a longtime political rival of Netanyahu's, joined the government as a show of unity after Hamas' October 7 attack on southern Israel. He left the government earlier this month, citing frustration with Netanyahu's handling of the war.

Critics say Netanyahu's wartime decision-making has been influenced by ultranationalists in his government who oppose a deal that would bring about a cease-fire in exchange for the release of hostages. They have voiced support for the “voluntary migration” of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and reoccupying the territory.

Netanyahu denies the accusations and says he has the country's best interests in mind.

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Karwar: Six pythons were rescued from a residential premises in Katinakona area of Karwar on Sunday, causing panic among local residents.

The pythons were found amid construction material stocked on the house premises. Forest officials were alerted, following which Forest Guard Gopal Naika reached the spot and safely rescued the reptiles.

According to a report published by Deccan Herald, Naika said the pythons measured between 8 and 12 feet in length. All of them were later released into the forest.

“Initial days of summer is the mating season for snakes. It is natural for males of the species to come in search of females for mating. Hence, they are found in large number in one location,” Naika said.