Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing an erosion of trust between them during Israel’s ongoing Gaza conflict with Hamas. According to a statement from Netanyahu's office, he decided to end Gallant's term as Defense Minister after concluding that their relationship had deteriorated significantly over the past few months.
Gallant, who had been reappointed to the role in April after being briefly removed in March, will be succeeded by Foreign Minister Israel Katz. Netanyahu’s office announced the change just hours before hundreds of protesters began gathering in Tel Aviv, with many expressing concern over the dismissal’s impact on efforts to negotiate for the release of hostages held in Gaza.
Amid the public reaction, Netanyahu took to social media, posting a message urging unity and resilience. Meanwhile, Gallant expressed his commitment to Israel’s security, stating, “The security of the state of Israel always was and will always remain my life mission.”
Netanyahu elaborated on the decision in a video statement, noting that initial cooperation with Gallant had been positive but that recent events exposed widening rifts that impacted their work and were even known to adversaries. He emphasized his attempts to resolve the issues but described these gaps as ultimately unbridgeable.
As Israel Katz steps into the Defense Ministry role, the Foreign Minister position will be assumed by Gideon Sa'ar.
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