Protests erupt in Israel after Netanyahu fires defence minister

Demonstrations have broken out in Israel following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to dismiss Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

Netanyahu explained that a "trust issue" between him and Gallant prompted his choice, noting that his confidence in Gallant had diminished over the past few months. He stated that Foreign Minister Israel Katz would take over his position.

Gallant explained that he was dismissed because of differences in opinion on three key matters. One of these was his view that Israel could retrieve the remaining hostages from Gaza by making some significant concessions that he believes the country can handle.

Numerous demonstrators gathered in the streets, urging Netanyahu to step down and insisting that the newly appointed defense minister focus on securing a deal for the hostages.

Netanyahu and Gallant have had a contentious partnership for quite some time. Over the last year, there have been instances where the two have argued loudly about Israel's approach to the war.

The former defense minister has expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing decision to exempt Israel's Ultra-Orthodox citizens from mandatory military service.

Several months prior to the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, Netanyahu dismissed Gallant due to political disagreements. However, after significant public backlash, he later brought Gallant back into his position.

However, on Tuesday, Netanyahu remarked, "During wartime, it's crucial to have complete confidence between the prime minister and the defense minister."

He mentioned that while there was a sense of trust and productive collaboration in the early months of the conflict, "over the past few months, that trust has begun to break down."

Netanyahu mentioned that "there were considerable differences found between myself and Gallant regarding how to handle the campaign."

He noted that these were paired with remarks and actions that go against the government's decisions.

After the news broke, Gallant took to social media to express that ensuring the safety of Israel has been and will continue to be his lifelong mission.

On Tuesday night, he issued a comprehensive statement explaining that his dismissal from his position stemmed from differences of opinion on three specific matters.

He thought that military service should be mandatory for everyone without any exceptions. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation to gather insights, and insisted that efforts should be made to return the hostages promptly.

Regarding the hostages, he remarked, "I believe that we can reach this objective. It will necessitate difficult compromises, but Israel as a nation and the IDF are equipped to handle them."

Yair Amit, one of the demonstrators who took to the streets after the announcement, stated that Netanyahu is putting the entire nation at risk. He urged the prime minister to resign and allow capable individuals to take charge of Israel.

According to reports from Israeli media, a number of demonstrators set fires on the Ayalon Highway, causing traffic to come to a standstill in both directions.

A group advocating for the families of those held captive by Hamas during the October 7 assault criticized Netanyahu for firing Gallant. They argued that this action is part of ongoing attempts to undermine any potential agreement for the release of the hostages.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged the new defense minister to clearly promise an end to the war and to work on a thorough agreement for the prompt return of all those who have been kidnapped.

Approximately 100 of the 251 individuals abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, are still missing more than a year into the conflict.

An image from October of the previous year features Netanyahu, on the left, alongside Gallant during a media briefing.

His successor Katz is viewed as even more aggressive regarding military tactics.

Gideon Sa'ar, another supporter of Netanyahu who did not previously have a cabinet position, is set to take on the role of the new foreign minister.

Gallant will be removed in 48 hours. The new ministers will need to be approved by the government and then by the Knesset.

In March 2023, Netanyahu initially dismissed Gallant after they clashed over contentious proposals to reform the judicial system.

However, he had to reverse the dismissal after widespread public demonstrations erupted in multiple cities across Israel, an occurrence that came to be referred to as "Gallant Night."

In May of this year, Gallant expressed his visible annoyance at the government's lack of action regarding a strategy for Gaza after the conflict. He urged Netanyahu to make a public statement clarifying that Israel does not intend to assume control over the civilian and military governance of Gaza.

It was an unusual public indication of disagreements within Israel's wartime leadership regarding the course of the military operation.

"Since October, I have been continually bringing this matter up in the cabinet," Gallant stated, "but I haven't gotten any response."

Netanyahu replied that he wasn't willing to swap one Palestinian entity for another, alluding to the competing factions of Hamas and Fatah.

In reaction to Gallant's dismissal on Tuesday evening, opposition members from various political parties in Israel urged the public to take to the streets in protest.

Gallant's removal coincides with the day of the presidential election in the United States, which is Israel's major supporter in its conflict in Gaza. This timing has been highlighted by various Israeli news sources.

Gallant was seen as enjoying a significantly stronger rapport with the White House compared to Netanyahu.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson from the National Security Council at the White House stated: "Minister Gallant has played a key role in all issues concerning Israel's defense. As strong partners, we will keep working together with the next Israeli minister of defense."

Commentators point out that Gallant's dismissal occurs when Netanyahu is facing pressure from far-right politicians to advance a legislation that would keep Israel's Ultra-Orthodox citizens exempt from military service. Gallant had been a prominent critic of this proposed bill.