Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Sacks Defence Minister Amid Gaza Conflict

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a breakdown of trust amid the ongoing Gaza conflict with Hamas.

The Prime Minister’s office made the announcement on Sunday, explaining that trust between the two officials had “eroded” over the past few months, leading Netanyahu to end Gallant’s tenure.

“In light of this, I decided today to end the term of the defence minister,” Netanyahu stated. Gallant, who resumed the position in April after a brief removal last March, will now be replaced by Foreign Minister Israel Katz, the office reported.

News of Gallant’s dismissal sparked immediate protests, with hundreds taking to the streets of Tel Aviv. According to Haaretz, demonstrators expressed concern over the decision, with one mother of a hostage commenting, “Gallant’s dismissal sends a clear message – there is no one left to prevent the foiling of hostage deals; it’s time to take to the streets.”

Following the announcement, Netanyahu shared a statement on Twitter, urging Israelis to “stand strong against refusal.” Meanwhile, Gallant responded publicly, asserting, “The security of the state of Israel always was and will always remain my life mission.”

Netanyahu acknowledged in a video statement that while there was “fruitful work” with Gallant at the onset of the Gaza conflict, recent months saw growing divisions. “I made many attempts to bridge these gaps, but they kept getting wider,” he said, adding that the rift became known to both the public and, ultimately, to Israel’s enemies.

In the reshuffle, Gideon Sa’ar will assume the role of Foreign Minister, taking over from Katz.