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Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and appointed Israel Katz as his replacement amid ongoing tensions in the government during the Gaza conflict.
The announcement was made via a video shared on Netanyahu’s official X account, confirming the leadership change at a critical time.
Netanyahu explained the decision, citing a “crisis of trust” between him and Gallant.
“In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust is required between the Prime Minister and Defence Minister,” Netanyahu said, referring to the discord that had grown between the two over recent months.
Despite initial cooperation, their differing views on military strategy and the handling of the Gaza situation had led to a breakdown in trust.
While Netanyahu has pushed for continued military pressure on Hamas, Gallant had been in favor of using the operations as a foundation for potential negotiations to release Israeli hostages.
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Following his dismissal, Gallant, a former general, reaffirmed his dedication to Israel’s security.
“The security of the state of Israel always was, and will always remain, my life’s mission,” he said.
The move has sparked significant political fallout, with some analysts describing Netanyahu’s decision as “reckless.”
Sky News Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall warned that Gallant’s removal could be interpreted as a politically motivated move by Netanyahu to secure his position.
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This decision comes amidst other heated political issues, including the debate over drafting Haredi Jewish students into the Israel Defence Forces (IDF)—a policy Gallant had supported.
Netanyahu’s previous attempt to remove Gallant in March 2023 had also caused mass protests and a government reshuffle.
In addition to the Defence Minister change, Netanyahu announced that Gideon Saar would assume the role of Foreign Minister.
