Protests in Tel Aviv After Netanyahu Dismisses Defense Minister Gallant

tel aviv - Tens of thousands of people across Israel have protested the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant by Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Netanyahu has removed Gallant from his position due to dissatisfaction with his war policies. The move comes almost thirteen months after the beginning of the Israeli offensive against the Palestinian Hamas movement and other groups in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu appointed Israel Katz as the successor, with the Foreign Ministry now going to Gideon Saar.

The premier cited 'too many gaps' between him and Gallant on the approach to the conflict. His confidence in Gallant had slowly eroded during the ongoing Gaza war. The two frequently clashed publicly over the Israeli retaliation for the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year. Following his dismissal, Gallant stated three breaking points: recruiting ultra-Orthodox Jews, a hostage deal, and establishing a commission of inquiry for October 7, 2023.

The surprising decision to dismiss Gallant comes amidst the U.S. presidential elections, with the U.S. being Israel's main military ally. Gallant was seen as a hawk in the fight against the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, which interjected in the war. He recently urged for a ceasefire with Hamas and an agreement on the release of hostages in Gaza. Gallant affirmed that Israel's security will remain his life's mission.

Last year in April, Netanyahu had also dismissed Gallant for publicly criticizing a controversial justice reform. Gallant responded to the news on Tuesday evening, stating, 'The security of Israel was and will always remain the mission of my life.'.