People protest outside the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem after he unexpectedly announced the dismissal of his Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg/AP
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sacked Defence Minister Yoav Gallant after months of controversy over Israel’s domestic policies and military efforts.
Reasons for dismissal and political consequences
In a recorded statement on Tuesday evening, Netanyahu said that “the trust between me and the defence minister has cracked”. This was reported by TimeUkraineIsrael with reference to CNN.
Israel Katz, who is currently foreign minister, will become the new defence minister. Gideon Saar will replace Katz as foreign minister, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Tuesday. However, both new ministers do not have much military experience, although Katz served in the cabinet throughout the war.
The move came as voters in the United States, Israel’s most important ally, were electing their next president. Gallant was a close interlocutor of the US administration and allegedly spoke daily with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.
Gallant’s response to the dismissal
Gallant responded to the decision shortly after it was made public, posting on X that “Israel’s security has been and will always be my mission throughout my life.” In a televised statement, he said that his dismissal was the result of a dispute over three issues: ultra-Orthodox military service, the leaving of hostages in Gaza, and the need for an official investigation into the 7 October Hamas attack.
“There is no forgiveness for leaving hostages,” he said. “This will be the ‘mark of Cain’ that Israeli society will bear, as well as those who follow this false path.”
Conflicts between Netanyahu and Gallant
On Tuesday, Netanyahu said he had “made many attempts” to resolve the differences with Gallant, but they “continued to widen” and “became public knowledge in an unacceptable way.” He added that Israel’s enemies have benefited greatly from these differences.
Israel’s political class has long assumed that Netanyahu would fire Gallant and replace him with a political ally to strengthen his power in the country. The prime minister is trying to maintain control over his fragile right-wing coalition.
Protests and public reaction
When Netanyahu first attempted to fire Gallant last year over his opposition to proposed judicial reforms, it led to massive nationwide demonstrations. Opposition leaders called on Israelis to take to the streets in protest, sparking clashes in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Protesters outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem shouted “shame on you!” and blocked a major highway in Tel Aviv. Families of hostages held in Gaza chanted “Bibi is a traitor”.
Political manoeuvres and the military situation
Sa’ar’s appointment as foreign minister and his commitment to ultra-Orthodox parties are seen as a strategic move to strengthen Netanyahu’s coalition, especially during the war. On Tuesday, the prime minister also withdrew a bill that would have allowed ultra-Orthodox Israelis to receive state subsidies for childcare without having to serve in the army.
Investigations into the Hamas attack and political instability
Internal political conflicts are taking on new dimensions as the Israeli police have opened a criminal investigation into the events at the beginning of the war. Gallant has repeatedly called for an official investigation into the 7 October attack, which only increases political tensions in Israel.
Conclusion: the future of the political situation in Israel
Uncertainty over Israel’s political direction and internal disagreements over the war and military strategy continue to contribute to instability in the Netanyahu government. These changes and protests in the country could have a significant impact on future events and Israel’s relations with international partners.
