Israel Reacts with Protests Following Netanyahu’s Dismissal of Defense Minister Gallant
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a ‘crisis of trust’ prompted his decision to dismiss Yoav Gallant and appoint Israel Katz as his replacement.
While the world was focused on the U.S. presidential election, Netanyahu surprised everyone by announcing on Tuesday evening about the dismissal of Gallant and the appointment of Israel Katz as the new defense minister.
Following this news, thousands of protesters congregated in Tel Aviv, causing a standstill in the city center due to traffic.
Many in the crowd, holding Israeli flags, ignited bonfires, blew whistles, and banged drums.
Outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem and elsewhere in the city, several thousand people demonstrated.
Furthermore, protesters gathered in various other towns, with Israeli television channels showing scuffles between the police and some demonstrators.
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Netanyahu and Gallant had disagreements on the Gaza war’s direction, and the prime minister attributed his decision to a “crisis of trust.”
Gallant’s dismissal came a day after his approval of the army’s request to draft 7,000 more ultra-Orthodox men, a matter that has been a point of contention with Netanyahu’s coalition partners who support draft exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox.
Attempts to dismiss Gallant in March 2023, following his call to halt controversial judicial reforms, resulted in widespread protests against Netanyahu.
During a dramatic news conference broadcast on national television, Gallant expressed his differences with Netanyahu on three main issues.
‘Moral Obligation To Hostages’
The Times of Israel published Gallant’s complete speech, in which he stressed the “moral obligation and responsibility to bring our kidnapped sons and daughters back home as swiftly as possible, most of them still breathing, to their families.”
Netanyahu has refused to make concessions to Hamas for a hostage deal and is against an inquiry into the Oct. 7, 2023 events until after the war concludes.
Israel estimates that around 100 hostages are still in captivity, with approximately 65 of them surviving.
Gallant, a former military officer who entered politics in 2015, concluded his news conference by saluting the fallen, wounded, disabled, captives, their families, and IDF fighters.
He saluted as he exited the stage.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, (C), speaks to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, (L)— who he fired on Nov. 5, 2024—in the Knesset in Jerusalem, Israel on Oct. 28, 2024. Debbie Hill/Pool Photo via AP
Earlier, Netanyahu stated: “In the midst of a war, trust is crucial between the prime minister and defense minister.”
“Regrettably, though there was strong trust and fruitful work in the initial campaign months, this trust deteriorated in the recent months between me and the defense minister,” he added.
Regarding the new defense minister, Netanyahu remarked, “Israel Katz has already demonstrated his capabilities and contributions to national security as foreign minister, finance minister, and intelligence minister over five years, additionally serving on the Security Cabinet for many years.”
New Defense Minister Is ‘Bulldozer’
“He brings with him extensive experience and effective execution skills. He is recognized for his sense of responsibility and perseverance, critically important qualities in managing the campaign,” Netanyahu emphasized.
However, Katz, aged 69, possesses limited military experience.
Gideon Sa’ar is replacing Katz as foreign minister, a former Likud Party leader who formed New Hope after challenging Netanyahu’s leadership and eventually joining the ruling coalition government.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
