Netanyahu’s Dismissal of Defence Minister Gallant Sparks Protests and Criticism

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss his popular Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, has sent shockwaves through the nation, igniting protests and widespread political backlash. In an unexpected announcement on Tuesday, Netanyahu cited a “crisis of trust” as the reason for firing Gallant, a seasoned general and member of Netanyahu’s Likud party. Gallant has been replaced by Israel Katz, a loyalist with limited military experience who currently serves as foreign minister.

The firing led to demonstrations across Israel, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Protesters waved Israeli flags and blocked major roads, demanding Netanyahu's resignation and a resolution for the 101 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Clashes with police erupted, with officers using water cannons to disperse the crowds. The timing of Gallant’s dismissal has raised questions, as it comes amid a multifront war involving threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

Gallant had become a key figure in the Israeli government’s approach to the ongoing conflict, but his recent efforts to draft members of the ultra-Orthodox community into the military angered Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners. His stance on a ceasefire and negotiations for hostage releases, as well as opposition to the permanent reoccupation of Gaza, clashed with Netanyahu’s more aggressive military strategy.

The firing has led to speculation that Netanyahu may be preparing to remove other officials who have opposed his policies, with reports suggesting that army chief of staff Herzi Halevi and other top officials could be next. Critics argue that Netanyahu’s decision is politically motivated, aimed at strengthening his hold on power rather than prioritizing national security.

Opposition leaders have condemned the move as a reckless political gamble during a time of war. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beitenu party, called the firing an act of a “banana republic,” accusing Netanyahu of sacrificing national security for political gain. Former army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot described the decision as “unprecedentedly irresponsible,” warning that it undermines public trust in Israeli institutions and weakens the country’s war effort.

President Isaac Herzog, who traditionally stays out of political disputes, also expressed concern, stating that Gallant’s dismissal was “the last thing Israel needs.” Gallant himself attributed his firing to disagreements over conscription policies for the ultra-Orthodox, the obligation to bring hostages home, and calls for a full investigation into the intelligence failures on October 7, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel.

While Netanyahu’s move has shored up his political base, particularly with his far-right coalition allies, it has also fueled concerns that Israel’s military strategy and diplomatic efforts could become further divided. Gallant’s removal is seen as a significant blow to Israel’s efforts to navigate the ongoing war, and it remains to be seen how Katz will handle the role of defence minister as Israel faces multiple security challenges.