Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday, citing significant differences over the conduct of the Gaza conflict—a high-stakes decision as Israel faces challenges on multiple fronts. The move ignited protests nationwide, with large crowds assembling near Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem.
Gallant had advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate the release of hostages, positioning him as the government’s chief proponent of such a deal. His stance diverged from Netanyahu's approach, not only on the Gaza strategy but also regarding the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Israelis—a contentious domestic issue.
Following Gallant's dismissal, widespread protests erupted. Demonstrators blocked a major highway in Tel Aviv, lighting bonfires in opposition. Netanyahu attributed Gallant’s termination to "significant gaps" in their approach to the Gaza conflict.
Gallant outlined three core issues that led to his dismissal: his call for a draft mandate for all military-age citizens, his support for a hostage release deal, and his demand for a commission of inquiry into security oversights during Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel.
Expressing his stance, Gallant declared that conscription should apply to all eligible individuals, emphasizing it as a critical matter for Israel’s future security. However, ultra-Orthodox lawmakers, key to Netanyahu’s coalition, opposed this move.
Gallant’s dismissal comes amid heightened conflict with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both Iranian-backed groups, alongside Israeli security operations in the West Bank. The timing of this decision, as the U.S. undergoes an election with potential implications for its Middle East policy, adds to the complexities. Gallant maintained close ties with senior U.S. officials, who reportedly favored direct contact with him over Netanyahu, adding strain to the prime minister’s position.
In response to Gallant’s departure, Netanyahu appointed Foreign Minister Israel Katz, known for limited security expertise but strong alignment with Netanyahu’s approach, as the new defense minister. Katz is expected to support Netanyahu’s stance on a prolonged engagement in Lebanon and responses to Iranian threats, potentially limiting chances of a truce.
Netanyahu's decision further complicates relations with the U.S., which acknowledged Gallant as a valuable partner. Despite Netanyahu’s coalition adjustments, including inviting hard-line figure Gideon Saar, internal tensions persist as the administration grapples with a new security scandal involving classified information leaks.
Gallant, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party and defense minister since 2022, repeatedly voiced concerns over judicial reforms and governance of Gaza. In recent months, he highlighted the risks of a prolonged occupation in Gaza, opposing Netanyahu's vision of “total victory” over Hamas. His moderate stance earned him trust within Israel's security establishment, though Netanyahu dismissed Gallant's calls for an inquiry into vulnerabilities exposed by the October 7 attack, opting to delay such reviews until after the conflict concludes.
Gallant’s disagreements with Netanyahu reflect longstanding divides over judicial reforms, which spurred considerable civil unrest. His initial dismissal in 2023 over criticisms of these reforms was briefly reversed due to public outcry, underscoring his role in challenging the government’s hard-line approaches.
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