Public spat highlights cracks in Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, has frequently been criticised, including by members of his own government (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP)

Cracks are widening in a public tiff between Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his moderate defence minister, the latest spat showing growing discontent with Mr Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza at a sensitive time.

Israel is bracing for potential Iranian retaliation after a blast in Tehran killed Hamas’ leader — an attack blamed on Israel. And a new round of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas is set to begin later this week.