Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, due to a lack of confidence in Gallant’s approach to Israel’s ongoing military operations.
Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that, in light of an erosion of trust over recent months, the decision had been made to end Gallant’s term. As part of the reshuffling, Foreign Minister Israel Katz has been appointed as the new Defence Minister, while Katz's position as Foreign Minister will be taken over by Gideon Saar.
Netanyahu’s statement highlighted that despite efforts to reconcile differences between him and Gallant, the gaps had only widened over time, culminating in public disagreements.
These differences, Netanyahu added, had become known to Israel’s enemies, which he stated was highly detrimental. He also pointed to actions and statements by Gallant that contradicted the decisions made by the Israeli government and its cabinet.
Gallant, who has been a prominent member of Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party, took to social media platform X to respond to his dismissal. In a Hebrew language post, he expressed that the security of Israel remained his top priority, stating, “The security of the State of Israel was and will always remain the mission of my life.”
ביטחון מדינת ישראל היה ותמיד יישאר משימת חיי 🇮🇱🇮🇱
— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) November 5, 2024
The tensions between Netanyahu and Gallant have been evident for months. The two have clashed over the direction of Israel’s military objectives, particularly with the ongoing 13-month-long war in Gaza against Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.
Gallant had voiced concerns over the conflict, suggesting that Israel lacked a clear strategic direction. Netanyahu, however, has insisted that military operations must continue until Hamas is completely eradicated as both a governing entity and military force in Gaza.
This is not the first time Netanyahu and Gallant have disagreed. Earlier in the year, Netanyahu had removed Gallant from his position over differences regarding proposed judicial reforms. Gallant was later reinstated after mass public protests in Israel demanded his return.