In a dramatic political shake-up, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallantciting a “crisis of trust.” This decision comes amid ongoing tensions and disagreements over Israel’s military operations and strategic direction. The move has significant implications for Israel’s defence policies and political landscape.
Erosion of trust
Netanyahu’s trust in Gallant had been eroding over several months, culminating in the decision to remove him from his position. The Prime Minister’s office announced that Foreign Minister Israel Katz would take over as the new Defence Ministerwhile Gideon Saar has been appointed to succeed Katz as Foreign Minister. Netanyahu stated, “Over the past few months, that trust has eroded. In light of this, I decided today to end the term of the defence minister.”
Gallant’s response
Following his dismissal, Yoav Gallant took to X (formerly Twitter) to reaffirm his commitment to Israel’s security. He posted in Hebrew, “The security of the State of Israel was and will always remain the mission of my life.” Gallant’s emphasis on security highlights the ongoing challenges and priorities facing Israel’s defence establishment.
Clashes within Likud party
Both Gallant and Netanyahu are members of the right-wing Likud party, but they have clashed over the objectives of Israel’s 13-month-old war in Gaza against the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Gallant expressed concerns about the lack of clear direction in the war, while Netanyahu maintained that the fighting could not cease until Hamas was eliminated as a governing entity and military force in Gaza.
Public disagreements and strategic gaps
Netanyahu remarked that he had attempted to bridge the gaps between himself and Gallant, but these differences “kept getting wider” and became public. He noted that the disagreements were not only internal but also became known to Israel’s enemies, who benefited from the discord. Netanyahu stated, “Such gaps were accompanied by statements and actions that contradict the decisions of the government and the decisions of the cabinet.”
Judicial system overhaul
Shortly before the Gaza conflict erupted, Netanyahu had dismissed Gallant due to disagreements over the government’s plans to overhaul Israel’s judicial system. However, after mass protests, the Prime Minister reinstated him. This context adds another layer of complexity to the current dismissal, reflecting the broader political and strategic challenges facing Netanyahu’s administration
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