Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday, citing a "crisis of trust." Gallant, who has repeatedly clashed with Netanyahu and hardline coalition members, had pushed for a diplomatic approach to end the war in Gaza, favoring a hostage deal over prolonged conflict. His dismissal, announced as Israel grapples with conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, has sparked protests, with demonstrators blocking highways and lighting bonfires in Tel Aviv and other cities.
Gallant, a seasoned general and prominent Likud party member, has been a vocal advocate for the hostages taken by Hamas and has opposed Netanyahu's insistence on total victory over Hamas, calling it “nonsense” without a clear post-war strategy for Gaza. He has also resisted calls from ultra-nationalist coalition members to keep Israeli forces in Gaza or resettle parts of the enclave. Despite his alignment with the government on many issues, Gallant’s efforts to conscript ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the military drew intense criticism from coalition leaders like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who supported his dismissal.
Netanyahu appointed Israel Katz, a close ally, as the new defense minister. Katz has pledged to continue the military campaign against Hamas and Hezbollah, vowing to return the hostages and “destroy Hamas.” However, Netanyahu’s decision comes as Israel prepares for potential retaliation from Iran, following recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and Lebanon, raising concerns from both domestic and international observers about the timing of the move.
Netanyahu and Gallant’s tense relationship dates back to last year, when Gallant criticized Netanyahu's controversial judicial reforms, which he argued were damaging national unity. The disagreement prompted Netanyahu’s first attempt to dismiss him, but massive public outcry and nationwide protests forced the prime minister to retract.
Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, which have intensified with recent airstrikes in Beit Lahiya and other towns, have resulted in significant casualties, with more than 43,000 Palestinians reported killed since the conflict began last October. The latest round of strikes and evacuation orders have prompted international calls for restraint. Acting UN aid chief Joyce Msuya condemned the escalating violence, saying it left Palestinian civilians “without essentials to survive.”
The conflict continues to draw international scrutiny, with France’s foreign minister expected to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories to urge a diplomatic resolution. Meanwhile, U.S. officials expressed regret over Gallant’s dismissal, noting his valuable contributions to Israel’s national security.
The prime minister’s critics argue that Gallant’s dismissal prioritizes political interests over Israel’s security needs, with opposition leader Yair Lapid calling the decision “madness” given Israel’s multi-front conflicts.