A rift between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the Gaza war has become the latest in a series of tensions that have tested the unity of Israel’s government, pushing it to the brink over the past 18 months, reports Reuters.
On Monday, Netanyahu stated that he and Gallant could continue to work together “as long as there is trust,” but he emphasized that all ministers must adhere to cabinet decisions. “That is the key issue being tested now,” he remarked during a press conference.
Netanyahu dismissed Gallant and other security officials’ calls to withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza’s southern border as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
The Minister Who Is Hard to Fire
Despite frequent clashes between Netanyahu and Gallant, a former general with 35 years of military service, both remain in government due to the complex political landscape. While Gallant supports a hardline security approach, he openly criticizes Netanyahu’s oft-repeated goal of “total victory” in Gaza, calling it “nonsense.”
Last year, when Netanyahu attempted to limit the powers of the Supreme Court, Gallant broke party discipline and opposed the plan, arguing that it created social tensions that threatened national security. Although Netanyahu dismissed him, he was forced to reverse the decision after mass protests erupted across the country.
A Coalition on the Brink
The Netanyahu-Gallant dispute is also tied to the structure of the right-wing coalition, which relies on the support of nationalist-religious parties. Without their backing, the government could collapse, allowing these parties to criticize Gallant for what they perceive as a too-lenient approach to Palestinians.
Additional tensions arose after Israeli soldiers reportedly found a note from a Hamas commander urging psychological pressure on Gallant.
The situation escalated after the discovery of the bodies of six Israeli hostages in a tunnel in Gaza. This sparked widespread protests demanding the release of hostages, a call that Gallant also supported.
Criticism Over Military Failures
Both Netanyahu and Gallant’s reputations have been tarnished following the October 7 attack, when Hamas militants killed 1,200 Israelis and took 253 hostages. In response, Gallant announced a full blockade of Gaza and called Israel’s enemies “human animals.” However, he later became more cautious, rejecting the idea of a prolonged occupation of Gaza.
Both leaders now face the threat of international arrest warrants for their role in the Gaza campaign, adding further pressure on the government coalition.
Last month, Gallant called for an investigation into both his and Netanyahu’s actions, which could further exacerbate the political tension in Israel.
