Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a breakdown in trust between the two during the ongoing conflict.
Netanyahu announced Gallant’s firing in a brief video statement, explaining that while their collaboration was initially productive, disagreements over the war’s management and actions taken by Gallant that contradicted cabinet decisions had led to a crisis of faith.
Netanyahu also accused Gallant’s actions of indirectly benefiting Israel’s enemies.
Gallant’s replacement will be Foreign Minister Israel Katz, with Minister without Portfolio Gideon Sa’ar stepping into Katz’s role as Foreign Minister.
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Gallant was informed of his termination in a meeting at 8 p.m. and given 48 hours’ notice before his removal.
Gallant, visibly emotional during a press conference, defended his tenure, emphasizing his commitment to Israel’s security and detailing his key concerns: the need for ultra-Orthodox men to be drafted into the IDF, the urgency of securing the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and the need for an official investigation into the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Gallant opposed legislation exempting Haredi men from military service, calling it a security issue that endangered Israel’s future.
He also stressed the importance of prioritizing a hostage deal with Hamas and warned against a “moral darkness” that he believed had taken hold of the government. Gallant’s firing has sparked protests across Israel, with demonstrators expressing outrage over the decision, particularly in light of ongoing military operations.
Opposition figures, including the Movement for Quality Government, criticized Netanyahu’s move, accusing him of placing personal politics over national security.
There were also reports that Netanyahu may be planning to replace other top security officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, although the Prime Minister’s Office denied these claims.
In the aftermath, Katz has expressed his commitment to ensuring Israel’s security, including the return of all hostages and the defeat of Hamas.
The political fallout from Gallant’s firing is expected to unfold amid ongoing protests and mounting tensions regarding Israel’s military and political leadership.