Netanyahu dismisses defense minister/ Yoav Gallant fired/ Israel protests/ Gaza conflict/ Israeli leadership crisis/ Newslooks/ JERUSALEM/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant amid escalating conflicts on multiple fronts, sparking protests across Israel. Gallant’s removal highlights tensions over handling the Gaza war and internal disagreements, especially around military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men. This decision, taken as the U.S. election captured global attention, has raised concerns over Israel’s stability and security.
Netanyahu Fires Defense Minister Amid Wartime Tensions: Quick Look
- Defense Minister Dismissed: Netanyahu removes Yoav Gallant, citing a breakdown in trust.
- Gallant’s Stance: Gallant advocated for a balanced approach and a hostage deal with Hamas.
- Protests Erupt: Thousands demonstrate, paralyzing major areas in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
- Wartime Strain: Israel faces conflicts on multiple fronts, from Gaza to Lebanon and Iran.
- New Defense Appointment: Israel Katz replaces Gallant, with minimal military experience but loyal to Netanyahu.
Deep Look
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s surprise dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has set off a wave of protests across Israel, signaling deep divides within the government as the country grapples with multiple wars. The announcement, made while global attention focused on the U.S. election, exposed fractures in Israeli leadership as Netanyahu’s administration faces challenges on several fronts, from Gaza and Lebanon to mounting tensions with Iran-backed forces across the Middle East.
Conflict with Defense Minister Comes to a Head
Netanyahu cited a “crisis of trust” as the reason for Gallant’s dismissal, saying that as Israel navigates these volatile times, full alignment between the prime minister and defense minister is essential. Initially, Netanyahu and Gallant presented a unified response to Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and took 250 hostage. But over the months, Gallant diverged from Netanyahu on several key policy issues, including Israel’s strategy in Gaza and the potential release of hostages.
As the war expanded beyond Gaza to confrontations with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran-backed groups in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, Gallant favored a more measured approach. He emphasized the need for diplomacy to secure a temporary ceasefire with Hamas, allowing for hostage negotiations. Gallant, who has gained public popularity through his straightforward communication and dedication to the military, became an unexpected critic of Netanyahu’s refusal to consider a hostage deal, an inquiry into the October 7 attacks, and an end to controversial military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men.
Deep Divisions Spark Public Outcry
Gallant’s dismissal has exposed a growing rift within Israeli society over the war’s handling and the government’s approach. Within hours of the announcement, thousands gathered in central Tel Aviv, blocking highways and igniting bonfires. Protests spread to Jerusalem, where crowds assembled outside Netanyahu’s residence, and throughout the country. Many demonstrators carried Israeli flags, and several protest sites saw clashes between protesters and police.
Yair Lapid, the opposition leader, condemned Netanyahu’s decision, calling it “an act of madness” and accusing the prime minister of compromising national security for personal political gain. The president of Israel, Isaac Herzog, urged unity and questioned the timing of Gallant’s dismissal, stating that such a decision could jeopardize the country’s stability amid heightened threats.
Growing Resentment over Draft Exemptions for the Ultra-Orthodox
One of Gallant’s most contentious stances was his push to revoke draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men. Israel mandates military service for most Jewish citizens, but exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox have long been a divisive issue, breeding resentment among the secular majority. Gallant argued that including ultra-Orthodox men in the draft was both a security necessity and an issue of fairness, particularly given the scale of current threats. He issued thousands of draft notices to young ultra-Orthodox men earlier this week, escalating tensions with Netanyahu’s government, which relies on ultra-Orthodox support.
Middle East Tensions Complicate Israel’s Strategic Position
Gallant’s dismissal comes as Israeli forces are stretched across multiple battlefronts. The prolonged ground invasion of Gaza has killed over 43,000 Palestinians, many civilians, while hundreds of Israeli soldiers have been lost. In Lebanon, Israeli forces continue clashing with Hezbollah fighters. Additionally, Israel has engaged in skirmishes with Iranian-backed forces in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Iran, which Israel suspects of masterminding attacks in the region, has pledged retaliation against Israel following strikes on Iranian-linked targets.
Netanyahu’s decision to fire Gallant has raised concerns about Israel’s readiness to handle these regional threats. Iran’s support for militias in neighboring countries and its vow for retaliation have placed Israel on high alert, underscoring the complex security dynamics at play. In this high-stakes environment, Gallant had urged caution and diplomacy, especially regarding the sensitive issue of hostages held by Hamas.
Netanyahu’s Political Maneuvering and International Reactions
Gallant’s replacement, Israel Katz, is a loyalist with limited military experience but a veteran Cabinet member within Netanyahu’s administration. Katz pledged to guide Israel’s security establishment toward victory, though his lack of military background has sparked criticism regarding his ability to lead Israel’s forces in such challenging times. Meanwhile, Gideon Saar, once a rival to Netanyahu, will assume the foreign minister role, signaling Netanyahu’s intent to consolidate power within his trusted circle.
Gallant’s dismissal also drew international attention, with the White House labeling him a valuable defense partner and expressing a commitment to continue collaboration with Israel’s next defense minister. The timing of Gallant’s removal, reportedly calculated to avoid U.S. scrutiny amid election coverage, has raised questions among Israeli analysts about Netanyahu’s motivations.
What’s Next for Israel’s Leadership?
Netanyahu has faced pressure before to oust Gallant, notably in March 2023, when similar moves led to widespread protests. This time, the stakes are higher. As the war drags on and Netanyahu’s political standing wanes, his choice to replace Gallant highlights the delicate balance he must maintain between hard-line allies and public opinion. The divide within Israel’s government may also open opportunities for opposition leaders to capitalize on the growing unrest.
The challenges facing Israel’s leadership are immense, with escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah and Iran, and internal discord on the home front. Gallant’s final statements included a solemn salute to Israeli soldiers, urging leaders to prioritize their well-being and to bring hostages home swiftly. His departure marks a pivotal moment, signaling that Netanyahu’s government faces a turbulent path ahead as it contends with internal fractures and regional instability.