Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the dismissal of defense minister Yoav Gallant late Tuesday, saying trust between the two men “eroded” in recent months. Despite serving in the prime minister’s government, Gallant publicly criticized Netanyahu over his approach to the war in Gaza and the failure to reach a hostage deal. Netanyahu tried to dismiss Gallant last year over his criticisms of the government’s judicial overhaul plans, but the prime minister backtracked after a public outcry. With legislative approval, Foreign Minister Israel Katz would take over the role in 48 hours, Netanyahu said. The “security of the state of Israel has always been and will always remain my life’s mission,” Gallant said in a statement after the announcement.
Why Netanyahu fired his defense minister
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday he fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, replacing him with Foreign Minister Israel Katz.
The swap ousted one of Netanyahu’s most prominent critics and political foils, replacing him with a key ally as the prime minister faces political crises on multiple fronts.
Netanyahu, announcing the firing, said “trust has eroded” between himself and Gallant.
Gallant was a frequent critic of Netanyahu’s approach to the war in the Gaza Strip. He had pushed for Israel to wind down the war and prioritize efforts to bring home the dozens of Israeli hostages held there.
That has often put him at odds with Netanyahu, who has been accused by critics and many in the Israeli public of prolonging the war for his own political gain.
Gallant has also butted heads with Netanyahu over the drafting of ultra-Orthodox men into military service. Israel’s ultra-Orthodox minority — which holds outsize political influence — says drafting its men into the military threatens their way of life. Gallant and military chiefs decided Monday to issue 7,000 draft notices for members of the community.
Netanyahu fired Gallant before in 2023, before the war in Gaza. Gallant broke with Netanyahu then, criticizing judicial reforms that sought to limit the powers of Israel’s supreme court. The reforms were deeply unpopular with many Israelis and some reservists refused to sign up for duty. Gallant said the overhaul threatened national security.
The firing set off protests amid a backdrop of widespread demonstrations against the reforms. In response to the public outcry, Netanyahu reversed his decision to fire Gallant.
Lior Soroka and Shira Rubin contributed to this report.
Why did Netanyahu fire Gallant, and what does it mean for Israel’s strategy in Gaza? - explainer
Tensions between Netanyahu and Gallant have been mounting for months, highlighting rifts within Israel’s government over military tactics.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF NOVEMBER 5, 2024
Who is Yoav Gallant?
Yoav Gallant, recently dismissed as Israel’s Defense Minister, is a former general recognized for his practical, no-nonsense approach to security. Gallant built public respect for his role in managing Israel’s 13-month Gaza campaign and fostered strong ties with international allies, including US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, enhancing his influence on Israel’s defense policy.
Why did Netanyahu fire him?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited a “crisis of trust” and strategic differences in his decision to remove Gallant. Netanyahu’s office pointed to Gallant’s opposition to continuing an aggressive campaign against Hamas without clear objectives. Gallant criticized Netanyahu’s goal of “absolute victory,” arguing that it risked prolonging the conflict without securing Israeli hostages. The public airing of these disagreements reportedly frustrated Netanyahu, who claimed they encouraged Israel’s enemies.
What’s the background?
Tensions between Netanyahu and Gallant have been mounting for months, highlighting rifts within Israel’s government over military tactics and diplomatic alternatives. Gallant’s pragmatic stance prioritized limited diplomatic efforts to bring home hostages, clashing with Netanyahu and far-right coalition members who favor a strictly military solution. Netanyahu’s allies viewed Gallant’s position as weakening the government’s message of uncompromising resolve against Hamas.
Why does this matter?
Gallant’s dismissal has exposed internal divisions within the Israeli government at a critical point in the Gaza conflict. His balanced perspective offered a counter to Netanyahu’s hardline approach, and his departure could pave the way for more aggressive policies. Removing Gallant also raises concerns about stability within the coalition, as Netanyahu’s government increasingly faces scrutiny over its handling of the war.
What effect does it have on Israel at war?
Israel’s security policy is in flux, and Gallant’s exit could drive a sharper military focus in Gaza, narrowing chances for diplomatic engagements aimed at hostage negotiations. His departure may push Netanyahu’s coalition toward a unified but more intense military approach as far-right voices in the government gain influence over policy direction.
What are people saying about the shift?
Reactions have varied, with former Defense Minister Benny Gantz calling the firing “politics at the expense of state security.” Far-right coalition members welcomed the decision, arguing that Gallant’s stance hindered progress in achieving the war’s objectives. The public remains concerned about how internal power struggles could impact Israel’s security amid this high-stakes conflict.
Who will fill this role?
Netanyahu appointed Israel Katz, a former Foreign Minister and close ally, to replace Gallant as Defense Minister. Katz’s views align closely with Netanyahu’s strategy, making his appointment an effort to solidify the government’s hardline approach during the Gaza war and maintain stability within the coalition⍐.
Pentagon says it will work closely with Israel's new defense minister after dismissal of 'trusted partner' Gallant
Reuters
The Pentagon said on Tuesday that Yoav Gallant, whom Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired as defense minister on Tuesday, has been a "trusted partner," and said it will continue to work closely with Israel's next defense minister.
"America's commitment to Israel's security remains ironclad and the U.S. Department of Defense will continue to work closely with Israel's next Minister of Defense," Pentagon spokesman Major General Patrick Ryder said in a statement.
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