Gallant’s dismissal mobilizes protests across Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after a prolonged period of disagreements between them. In Gallant’s place, Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz has been appointed as the new defense minister, while Gideon Saar, previously a political rival to Netanyahu and now an ally, will fill Katz’s former post.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu remarked, “The trust between us (Gallant and me) has been shaken. I have attempted multiple times to bridge the gap, but it has only widened.”

In a video message following his decision, Netanyahu elaborated that initial “trust” between him and Gallant during the early stages of the Gaza conflict had deteriorated in recent months. Netanyahu argued that Gallant’s decisions and public statements were increasingly at odds with cabinet directives and even accused him of “indirectly aiding Israel’s enemies.”

Following this, Gallant formally submitted his resignation.

This is not the first time Netanyahu has sought Gallant’s removal. In March 2023, Netanyahu attempted to dismiss Gallant after he publicly criticized the judicial reform initiative. That attempt was aborted due to widespread protests.

Far-right support

Netanyahu’s decision has received backing from far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, while former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett condemned Netanyahu’s government as “a crazy and sick government working against the state and its soldiers.” Opposition parties have also called for protests against Gallant’s dismissal.

In response, thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv, West Jerusalem, and Haifa, demanding Netanyahu’s resignation.

‘We will regret it for years to come’

Protests centered on Tiger Street in Tel Aviv, a symbol of the public’s opposition to the Netanyahu government’s judicial overhaul. One demonstrator, Iftak Brill, criticized Netanyahu’s motives, stating, “The prime minister fired Gallant to prolong the war and push forward with destructive policies.” Brill expressed deep concern over the impact of these policies, including Netanyahu’s alleged rejection of a prisoner swap deal advocated by U.S. President Joe Biden and others.

Another protester, Shahul Navon, a former Israeli army soldier, criticized Netanyahu’s leadership, stating, “Netanyahu has given a great gift to our enemies by appointing Gallant.” Navon noted that the demonstrators were united against what he described as a descent into authoritarianism under Netanyahu’s rule.