Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has been sacked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over differences in views on the handling of the war with Hamas in Gaza.
Gallant had been increasingly in favour of brokering a ceasefire, and of an investigation into Hamas’ 7 October attack. The two have also disagreed over mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox men.
In a video statement, Netanyahu said there had been a “crisis of trust” between the two.
There have been widespread protests in response to the PM’s decision.
Yoav Gallant
Yoav Gallant first became Israel’s Defence Minister following a close election in 2022, which saw Netanyahu form a coalition with far-right politicians to secure Government.
Last year, Gallant criticised a Government law removing the power of Israel’s Supreme Court to block legislation passed by the Knesset (Parliament).
Netanyahu sacked Gallant over his criticisms, but later reinstated him following protests.
Gallant’s role
As Defence Minister, Gallant has overseen the operations of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) during the war with Hamas in Gaza.
Gallant was also a member of the war cabinet, which dissolved earlier this year after two moderate politicians quit.
International Criminal Court prosecutors have requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, as well as two of Hamas’ leaders, over alleged war crimes.
Disagreements
In a televised statement, Gallant said he had been fired because of disagreements on three issues.
First, Gallant and Netanyahu disagreed over the path to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Netanyahu has repeatedly laid out his conditions for a ceasefire: dismantling Hamas and releasing all remaining hostages. Gallant has urged prioritising the release of hostages, against Netanyahu’s official position.
Secondly, Gallant claimed he’d tried to fight for an inquiry into Hamas’ 7 October attack.
Ultra-Orthodox
Gallant has also pushed for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men to be subject to compulsory military service. Some members of Netanyahu’s coalition are strongly opposed to this.
In Israel, most young people must complete mandatory military service. Historically, men in the ultra-Orthodox community have been exempt due to their religious studies.
Israel’s Supreme Court overturned this exemption in July. Earlier this week, Gallant approved plans to draft around 7,000 ultra-Orthodox men.
Dismissal
Netanyahu released a video statement on social media confirming Gallant has been removed as Defence Minister.
He said there had been a “crisis of trust” with Gallant, including “significant gaps on handling the war”.
Following news of his dismissal, Gallant said: “The security of the State of Israel was and will always remain the mission of my life.”
He’ll be replaced by Foreign Affairs Minister Israel Katz.
Criticism
Thousands of people have taken to the streets in the city of Tel Aviv to protest Gallant’s dismissal.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said Netanyahu’s “wretched politics” are putting the lives of Israeli hostages in Gaza at risk.
He also called on Israeli citizens to turn up to demonstrations around the country in protest over the decision.
