Netanyahu Dismisses Israeli Defense Minister in Major Shakeup

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a decision that has stirred political tension. Read more on the reasons behind the firing and its potential impact on Israel’s security landscape.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, pointing to “significant differences” in their stances on the war against Hamas and Hezbollah.

According to Israeli media, Foreign Minister Israel Katz has been offered the position of Defense Minister, with Gideon Saar slated to assume Katz’s current role should he accept the new post.

“Netanyahu explained his decision on Tuesday, stating that significant disagreements developed between Gallant and himself over the campaign’s management. These disputes were marked by statements and actions that conflicted with both government and cabinet decisions.”

Netanyahu stated that wartime necessitates “complete trust” between the head of government and the defense minister, but acknowledged that this trust has “eroded” between him and Gallant in recent months.

The prime minister stated, “I repeatedly tried to close these gaps, yet they only grew wider. Unfortunately, these issues surfaced in an unacceptable way before the public and even reached our enemies, who relished and exploited them.”

READ ALSO: Netanyahu Alleges Hezbollah’s Attempted Assassination Against Him

Netanyahu commended Gallant’s successor as a “bulldozer with quiet strength and responsible determination,” highlighting Katz’s previous leadership of the finance and intelligence ministries before assuming his current position.

According to Axios reporter Barak Ravid on X, the White House was “very surprised” by Gallant’s dismissal, based on information from an unnamed US official. A spokesperson for the National Security Council described Gallant as “an important partner in all matters concerning Israel’s defense,” but noted that Washington will continue to work collaboratively with whoever succeeds him.

This marks the second occasion on which Netanyahu has dismissed Gallant. The initial instance occurred in March 2023, following Gallant’s outspoken criticism of the government’s judicial reforms, which he argued were causing division within Israeli society and posing a threat to the military.

After experiencing widespread street protests, Netanyahu reversed his decision in early April.