Israeli PM Netanyahu sacks defence minister amid Gaza conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, naming Israel Katz as his successor.

The announcement, shared through a video on Netanyahu’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, underscores ongoing tensions within Israel’s leadership amid the Gaza conflict, which erupted after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

“In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust is required between the Prime Minister and Defence Minister,” Netanyahu said.

He elaborated that while initial cooperation was productive, trust had “cracked” over recent months due to significant policy disagreements.

The two leaders had frequently clashed over the direction of Israel’s military efforts in Gaza.

While Netanyahu advocated for relentless military pressure on Hamas, Gallant reportedly viewed the ongoing operations as setting the stage for potential negotiations to secure the release of Israeli hostages.

“The security of the state of Israel always was, and will always remain, my life’s mission,” Gallant, a former general, stated following his removal.

The political repercussions of Gallant’s dismissal could be significant.

Alistair Bunkall, Sky News’ Middle East correspondent, described the move as “reckless,” adding that many might interpret it as a step taken for Netanyahu’s political survival.

“To fire your Defence Minister at this moment will be seen as a reckless move by many,” Bunkall noted.

This leadership change occurs amidst broader political debates, including discussions on the drafting of Haredi Jewish students into the Israel Defence Forces (IDF)—a policy Gallant supported.

His removal mirrors a previous attempt by Netanyahu in March 2023, which triggered mass protests and a reshuffle.

The agency reported that Netanyahu announced “Gideon Saar as the incoming Foreign Minister.”

(Punch)