Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, expressing a lack of confidence in his handling of the ongoing military operations. In a statement released on Tuesday, Netanyahu appointed Foreign Minister Israel Katz as Gallant’s replacement and named Gideon Saar as the new foreign minister.
The rift between Gallant and Netanyahu, both members of the right-wing Likud party, has been escalating for several months amid differing views on the objectives of Israel’s prolonged conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu noted that the situation had deteriorated into a “crisis of trust,” which hindered effective management of the military campaign.
“In light of this, I decided today to terminate the term of office of the Minister of Defence,” Netanyahu explained.
Despite his attempts to reconcile their differences, he remarked that they only grew more pronounced and became public knowledge, ultimately benefiting the enemy. He stated that these disagreements were accompanied by actions and remarks that contradicted government decisions.
In response, Gallant affirmed his lifelong commitment to Israel’s security. The ongoing tensions between Netanyahu and Gallant highlight a broader divide within Israel’s right-wing coalition and its military, which has advocated for a resolution to the conflict and the safe return of hostages taken by Hamas. While Gallant has critiqued the war’s lack of clear direction, Netanyahu has maintained that hostilities must continue until Hamas is completely dismantled as a governing power and military force in Gaza.
Notably, prior to the current conflict, Netanyahu had briefly dismissed Gallant due to disputes over a proposed overhaul of Israel’s judicial system but reinstated him following widespread public protests.
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