On the evening of Oct. 18, running on very little sleep due to a late-night meeting of the security cabinet to discuss Israel’s reaction to the flare-up with Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted the visiting prime minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, Charlot Salwai, and his wife at the official Jerusalem residence. Netanyahu posted a report to Facebook about the auspicious occasion, complete with a photo of himself and his wife Sara alongside his guests.

Vanuatu recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital back in the summer of 2017 — even before the United States — but most Israelis have never heard of the tiny Pacific island nation.

Netanyahu devoted himself fully to this very unimportant visit and completely ignored reports in the media all day long about attacks by the defense cabinet against IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot. According to them, during the dramatic cabinet meeting the night before, which Eizenkot attended, ministers lashed out at Eizenkot and claimed his Gaza policy had led to the latest escalation with Hamas.

Anyone familiar with the political hierarchy in Israel knows the accusation is absurd. Policy on Gaza is made by the political echelon — in this case by Netanyahu and the coterie of defense cabinet members. Leveling such an accusation at the country’s top soldier, especially during such a sensitive time that is perhaps the eve of a war in the south, is an irresponsible act.