Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a lack of trust in his management of Israel’s military operations amid the ongoing wars in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Reuters reports.
The dismissal followed months of disagreement between the two over the objectives of the 13-month-long war in Gaza against Hamas, with Gallant advocating for a clearer strategy and a potential deal to end the fighting. However, Netanyahu insisted that the war would not end until Hamas was fully eliminated. Netanyahu has appointed Foreign Minister Israel Katz as Gallant’s replacement, while Gideon Saar will become the new foreign minister.
The dismissal was supported by some far-right coalition members, while opposition leaders criticized it as compromising national security for political gain, especially amid ongoing conflicts and a possible Iranian retaliation following Israeli airstrikes. Gallant responded by affirming that Israel’s security would always remain his life’s mission.
