Israeli Defence Minister Fired by Netanyahu, Triggering Protests

Widespread protests have commenced across Israel following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss the nation’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant. Netanyahu cited a “crisis of trust” between himself and Gallant as the basis for his action, stating that his confidence in Gallant had “eroded” over recent months. Foreign Minister Israel Katz is slated to assume the role of Defence Minister. Gallant attributed his removal to disagreements on three specific matters, including his conviction that the remaining hostages could be recovered from Gaza if Israel were to make “painful concessions” that it “can bear.” Numerous demonstrators in the streets called for Netanyahu’s resignation and urged the incoming defence minister to prioritize a deal for the hostages’ release. Netanyahu and Gallant have historically maintained a contentious professional relationship. Reports from the past year indicate heated arguments between the two regarding Israel’s military strategy. Furthermore, the former defence minister had expressed dissatisfaction with proposals to maintain the exemption of Israel’s Ultra-Orthodox citizens from military service. Prior to the commencement of the war in Gaza in October 2023, Netanyahu had previously dismissed Gallant over policy differences, only to reinstate him after significant public outcry. However, on Tuesday, Netanyahu asserted: “In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust is required between the prime minister and the minister of defence.” He acknowledged an initial period of trust and “fruitful work” during the war’s early months, but noted that “during the last months this trust cracked.” Netanyahu further elaborated that “significant gaps were discovered between me and Gallant in the management of the campaign,” which were “accompanied by statements and actions that contradict the decisions of the government.” In response to the news, Gallant posted on social media that the “security of the state of Israel was and will always remain the mission of my life.” He subsequently issued a comprehensive statement on Tuesday night, affirming that his removal from office was “the result of disagreement on three issues.” These issues included his belief that there should be no exceptions for military service, the necessity of a national inquiry to draw lessons, and the urgent return of the hostages. Regarding the hostages, he declared: “I determine that it is possible to achieve this goal. It requires painful concessions, which the state of Israel can carry and the IDF can bear.” Yair Amit, one of the individuals protesting the announcement, accused Netanyahu of jeopardizing the entire country and urged the prime minister to “step down from his office and to let serious people lead Israel.” Israeli media reported that some protesters ignited fires on the Ayalon Highway, obstructing traffic in both directions. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing families of those abducted by Hamas in its 7 October attack, also condemned Netanyahu’s dismissal of Gallant. They characterized it as a continuation of efforts to “torpedo” a release agreement and called upon the incoming defence minister to “express an explicit commitment to the end of the war and to carry out a comprehensive deal for the immediate return of all the abductees.” More than a year into the conflict, approximately 100 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on 7 October 2023 remain unaccounted for. Israel Katz, Gallant’s designated successor, is perceived as holding even more hawkish views on military strategy. Gideon Sa’ar, another ally of Netanyahu who previously held no cabinet portfolio, will assume the role of the new foreign minister. Gallant’s dismissal is scheduled to take effect within 48 hours. The appointments of the new ministers require endorsement from the government and subsequent approval by the Knesset. Netanyahu had initially removed Gallant from his position in March 2023 due to disagreements concerning contentious proposals to reform the justice system. However, he was compelled to reverse the sacking following extensive public demonstrations across several Israeli cities, an event that became known as “Gallant Night.” In May of this year, Gallant openly expressed frustration over the government’s failure to address the question of a post-war plan for Gaza. Gallant had sought a public declaration from Netanyahu that Israel had no intentions of assuming civilian and military governance in Gaza. This represented a rare public indication of divisions within Israel’s war cabinet regarding the military campaign’s direction. Gallant stated: “Since October, I have been raising this issue consistently in the cabinet,” and “have received no response.” Netanyahu countered by asserting that he was “not ready to exchange Hamastan for Fatahstan,” referring to the rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah. In response to Gallant’s removal on Tuesday night, members of Israel’s political opposition parties urged the public to protest. Gallant’s dismissal also occurred on the day of the US presidential election, with the US being Israel’s key backer in its war in Gaza, a timing observed by several Israeli media outlets. Gallant was generally regarded as having a significantly better relationship with the White House than Netanyahu. A representative for the White House’s National Security Council stated on Tuesday: “Minister Gallant has been an important partner on all matters related to the defence of Israel. As close partners, we will continue to work collaboratively with Israel’s next minister of defence.” Observers point out that Gallant’s dismissal also coincides with pressure on Netanyahu from far-right politicians to enact legislation that would continue to exempt Israel’s ultra-Orthodox citizens from military service. Gallant had been a prominent opponent of this proposed bill.