Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fires Defence Minister Yoav Gallant
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a lack of mutual trust that has widened since the onset of Israel's wars on Gaza and Lebanon.
Gallant, a member of Netanyahu's Likud party since 2019, will be replaced by Foreign Minister Israel Katz. Gideon Saar, a minister without a portfolio, will step into Katz’s former role.
In his announcement, Netanyahu explained that while he and Gallant initially worked well together, recent months have seen escalating disagreements over military strategy.
“Unfortunately, although in the first months of the war there was trust and fruitful work, during the last months this trust cracked between me and the defence minister,” Netanyahu said, noting that Gallant had acted against cabinet decisions, as reported by the Times of Israel.
Netanyahu emphasised his efforts to mend their differences but said the divide only deepened, affecting public perception and compromising Israel’s security.
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"They also came to the knowledge of the public in an unacceptable way, and worse than that, they came to the knowledge of the enemy - our enemies enjoyed it and derived a lot of benefit from it,” he remarked, adding that the government largely supports the decision.
Speaking at a press conference, Gallant said he believed he had been dismissed over three issues: ""My firm stance on universal conscription, commitment to return the hostages and call for a state commission of inquiry into the failure of October 7.
"I will continue to uphold my principles. Throughout my long years in the IDF, during operations and training-on land, above the water, and below it-I learned that in conditions of darkness and fog, one must navigate by the conscience.
"In our current situation, when the fog of battle is thick and an ethical darkness surrounds us, I am bound by my conscience. My hope is that, in addition to the people of the defense establishment, who have always followed this path, the public's elected officials will also adopt this approach. It is the right thing to do."
Gallant's dismissal prompted thousands of protesters to take to the streets of Tel Aviv and other towns and cities, including outside Netanyahu's residence. Police used water cannons to disperse crowds and arrested 40 people who lit fires and blockd traffic while protesting on a major Tel Aviv highway.
In Washington DC, a White House National Security Council spokesperson noted that Gallant had been an "important partner" on issues related to Israel’s security.
In a statement, the spokesperson added, "As close partners, we will continue to work collaboratively with Israel’s next Minister of Defence,” despite the leadership change.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant on the grounds of war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with Israel's war on Gaza.
Israeli politicians split on firing
Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's far-right national security minister, expressed support for Netanyahu's decision to remove Gallant.
"I congratulate the prime minister on the decision to dismiss Gallant," Ben Gvir stated.
He criticised Gallant, claiming that his outdated views would hinder Israel’s ability to secure a complete victory.
Ben Gvir’s comments reflect a broader trend within the government, favouring a more aggressive stance in Israel's wars on Gaza and Lebanon.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid slammed Netanyahu’s decision to remove Gallant during wartime, calling it "an act of madness" on X.
Lapid accused Netanyahu of jeopardising Israel’s security for "disgraceful political survival".
Israeli families campaigning for the release of the remaining captives held in Gaza said Gallant's dismissal is another step in "efforts'" to torpedo any potential ceasefire deal.
Following the dismissal of Gallant, Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, called for daily mass protests and a general strike across Israel.
Golan urged universities and workplaces to shut down in protest and encouraged citizens to take to the streets.
Eliran Bykhovsky, a political activist from the youth wing of the left-leaning Meretz party, criticised the timing of Gallant’s firing, accusing Netanyahu of exploiting US preoccupation with its elections.
Bykhovsky said Netanyahu chose “the dirtiest trick in the book” over responsible leadership during a tense period.
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