Israel is sinking in the quicksand of the Middle East — the war in Gaza seems to be going nowhere, the hostage deal looks unlikely, Iran-Hezbollah-Houthis are abrasive, there is growing international condemnation and isolation, and long-time allies are turning tired. Such external challenges have been part and parcel of Israeli politics, foreign policy and society for decades. There is now a far more dangerous and unmanageable threat from within: The army and government are at odds when it comes to the ongoing Gaza war. Yoav Gallant, the defence minister, is candidly speaking against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for abandoning the hostages, constantly shifting the goalposts of the war, and not making a political decision about what will come after Hamas in Gaza. Gallant and other security agency heads of Israel no longer hide their lack of faith in the Netanyahu government when it comes to the hostage deal.