Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the dismissal of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing “significant gaps” and a “crisis of trust” in their working relationship.
The unexpected decision comes as Israel grapples with escalating conflicts on multiple fronts across the region.
Netanyahu explained, “In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust is required between the prime minister and defence minister… during the last months this trust cracked between me and the defence minister.”
Previously aligned in the early days of the war, their positions diverged as Gallant, a former general known for his pragmatic stance, argued that military gains could create conditions for a diplomatic solution involving Hamas-held hostages, AP reports.
Gallant, a respected public figure with a no-nonsense reputation, stated, “The security of the state of Israel always was, and will always remain, my life’s mission.”
He has been seen wearing a black buttoned shirt as a symbol of mourning for the victims of the October 7 attack by Hamas.
In March 2023, Netanyahu’s earlier attempt to dismiss Gallant sparked widespread protests, though he refrained from finalising it until this recent decision.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz, a close ally of Netanyahu and veteran official, will now take over as defence minister, while Gideon Saar will step into the foreign affairs post.
Netanyahu commented on efforts to repair relations with Gallant, saying, “I made many attempts… but they kept getting wider.
“They also came to the knowledge of the public in an unacceptable way, and worse than that, they came to the knowledge of the enemy – our enemies enjoyed it and derived a lot of benefit from it.”