In a significant political upheaval, protests have erupted across Israel following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s decision to dismiss Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
Prime Minister Netanyahu cited a “crisis of trust” between himself and Defense Minister Gallant as the reason for his decision to replace him. He noted that his confidence in Gallant had “eroded” over recent months, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz set to take over the role.
Gallant stated that his dismissal stemmed from differing views on three critical matters, particularly his conviction that the remaining hostages in Gaza could be retrieved if Israel is willing to make “painful concessions” that it “can bear.”
Protesters took to the streets, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to step down while calling on the newly appointed defense minister to focus on securing a hostage agreement.
The working relationship between Netanyahu and Gallant has been marked by division for an extended period. Over the last year, there have been accounts of heated exchanges between the two individuals regarding Israel’s military strategy.
The former defense minister has expressed dissatisfaction with proposals that would permit Israel’s Ultra-Orthodox citizens to remain exempt from military service.
In the months leading up to the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Gallant due to political disagreements, only to reinstate him in response to significant public backlash.
On Tuesday, Netanyahu emphasized the necessity of complete trust between the prime minister and the minister of defense, stating, “Amid a war, more than ever, full trust is required.”
He stated that while there had been trust and “fruitful work” in the initial months of the war, “this trust cracked during the last months.”
Netanyahu stated, “Significant gaps were discovered between me and Gallant in managing the campaign.”
He added that these were “accompanied by statements and actions contradicting the government’s decisions.”
In a recent social media update, Gallant emphasized that ensuring the security of Israel is his lifelong mission.
On Tuesday night, he issued a comprehensive statement indicating that his ousting from office stemmed from disagreements on three key issues.
The individual held a firm stance on the necessity of universal military service, advocating for a national inquiry to extract valuable lessons and emphasizing the urgent need to secure the return of hostages at the earliest opportunity.
Regarding the hostages, he stated, “I determine that it is possible to achieve this goal.” The situation demands difficult compromises, which the state of Israel can endure, and the IDF is prepared to manage.
In the wake of the announcement, protester Yair Amit expressed concerns that Prime Minister Netanyahu is jeopardizing the nation. He urged the prime minister to resign and allow capable leaders to guide Israel forward.
Protesters reportedly set fires on the Ayalon Highway, effectively blocking traffic in both directions, as reported by Israeli media sources.
A coalition advocating for the families of individuals held hostage by Hamas following the October 7 assault has criticized Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Gallant, asserting that it represents an ongoing attempt to undermine a potential release agreement.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged the newly appointed defense minister to make a clear commitment to ending the conflict and to implement a thorough agreement for the prompt return of all abducted individuals.
More than a year into the conflict, approximately 100 hostages from the 251 taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, are still unaccounted for.
The individual who will take his place, Katz, is perceived as increasingly aggressive regarding military strategy.
Gideon Sa’ar, a close ally of Netanyahu and previously without a cabinet position, is set to take on the role of foreign minister.
Gallant’s removal is set to take effect in 48 hours. The selection of the new ministers must first receive the government’s endorsement, followed by the Knesset’s approval.
In March 2023, Netanyahu dismissed Gallant after a clash over contentious proposals to reform the justice system.
However, he was compelled to reverse the dismissal after significant public demonstrations across multiple cities in Israel. This occurrence has since been referred to as “Gallant Night.”
In May of this year, Gallant expressed apparent frustration regarding the government’s inability to tackle the issue of a post-war strategy for Gaza. Gallant urged Netanyahu to make a public declaration affirming that Israel does not intend to assume control over civilian and military governance in Gaza.
A notable indication of discord emerged within Israel’s war cabinet regarding the trajectory of the military campaign.
“Since October, I have been consistently raising this issue in the cabinet,” Gallant stated, “and have yet to receive any response.”
In a pointed remark, Netanyahu stated that he was “not ready to exchange Hamastan for Fatahstan,” alluding to the ongoing rivalry between the Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah.
In the wake of Gallant’s dismissal on Tuesday night, opposition party members in Israel have urged the public to take to the streets in protest.
Gallant’s dismissal coincides with the day of the presidential election in the United States, a significant ally for Israel amid its ongoing conflict in Gaza. Various Israeli media sources have highlighted this timing.
Gallant was perceived to have a significantly stronger rapport with the White House than Netanyahu.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House stated, “Minister Gallant has been a crucial ally in all issues concerning the defense of Israel.” In a statement, officials emphasized their commitment to ongoing collaboration with Israel’s incoming defense minister.
Analysts point out that Gallant’s dismissal coincides with increasing pressure on Netanyahu from far-right politicians to advance legislation that would maintain military service exemptions for Israel’s ultra-Orthodox citizens. Gallant emerged as a prominent critic of the bill.
