Jerusalem – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the only cabinet minister in his right-wing go...
Jerusalem – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the only cabinet minister in his right-wing government to openly challenge Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza conflict. Gallant, a seasoned general, sought a more balanced approach, advocating for an agreement with Hamas to secure hostage releases while maintaining robust military responses against aggressors. However, Netanyahu cited a “crisis of confidence” as the reason for Gallant’s removal, accusing him of public dissent against government decisions.
Gallant’s firing comes on the same day as the U.S. presidential election, sparking speculation about its timing amid regional tensions and a potential counterattack threat from Iran. Far-right coalition member Itamar Ben-Gvir endorsed the decision, calling Gallant an impediment to Israel’s “total victory.”
Reaction and Appointments
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the move, warning that Gallant’s dismissal risks turning the regional conflict into “an act of madness.” The White House National Security Council expressed concern, noting Gallant’s crucial role in U.S.-Israel defense relations, though they committed to working with Gallant's successor, Israel Katz.
Katz, a longtime Netanyahu ally, has vowed to defeat both Hamas and Hezbollah. Known as “The Bulldozer” for his no-nonsense style, Katz previously held the foreign minister role, where he banned the UN's Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) and barred UN Secretary-General António Guterres from visiting Israel. He now assumes the defense portfolio with a hardline stance.
Public Protest and Response
Gallant’s dismissal has triggered protests across Israel, with thousands taking to the streets in Tel Aviv, blocking major roads and causing traffic delays. Demonstrators voiced dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s leadership and the ongoing escalation in Gaza.
Gaza and Lebanon Casualties Rise
As these political shifts unfold, Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon continue. In the last 24 hours, 35 Palestinians were killed in the northern Gaza Strip, with Palestinian health authorities reporting a cumulative death toll of 61 over recent days. According to reports, over 100,000 Palestinians are trapped in northern Gaza with dwindling supplies.
In Lebanon, casualties have climbed to 3,013 as a result of Israel’s operations targeting Hezbollah, whose missiles have repeatedly struck northern Israel. Hezbollah recently retaliated with rocket fire on Israeli forces, and an armed group in Iraq launched a drone attack on the Israeli port city of Eilat, setting off warning sirens across the city.
These developments mark a critical point in the Netanyahu administration’s Gaza strategy, with implications for Israel’s domestic stability and its broader regional relations.
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