Details of the Decision
- On Tuesday, November 5, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing months of “cracking” in their relationship, notably over Israeli strategy in Gaza.
- For months, Gallant had pushed for Israel to accept a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict that would involve the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas, which Netanyahu resisted.
- According to Gallant, other disagreements around the conscription of ultra-orthodox Jews and the initiation of an inquiry into the security failures around the events of October 7 played a role in the split.
Domestic Reactions
- After Gallant’s dismissal, Netanyahu appointed Foreign Minister Israel Katz to the position of defense minister, further consolidating the government around hawkish views on the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
- Katz is viewed as a hardliner, having previously called for evictions of Palestinians from the West Bank and promising on social media site X that there will be “no ceasefire” in Lebanon.
- Netanyahu’s decision was met with strong discontent from the opposition, sparking protests that swept across the country.
- Primary opposition leader Yair Lapid called Gallant’s firing an act of “madness” and accused Netanyahu of “selling Israel’s security for political survival.”
- Protesters demonstrated outside of Netanyahu’s home and shut down roads around the country, calling on the PM to step down and for the government to prioritize a deal to release the hostages.
- Families of the remaining hostages called on the incoming minister to prioritize a deal that would bring their loved ones home, as 100 people are still confirmed as missing.
Broader Context
- This is the second time that Netanyahu has fired Gallant over differences in governing philosophy, with the first coming in March 2023. The first time, Gallant was reinstated after massive protests forced the government to walk back the decision.
- The cabinet reshuffle also comes amid increased tension with Iran, as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened “a crushing response” in the wake of Israeli attacks against Iranian military installations on October 26.
- Additionally, Israel is approaching the deadline set by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to “ease” the humanitarian suffering in Gaza by allowing more aid shipments to enter the territory. The pair sent a letter to Netanyahu on October 16, giving the Israeli PM one month to act.
- As of Thursday, November 8, Israel was allowing 300 trucks a day into the territory, short of the 350 demanded by U.S. leaders.
(Banner image: U.S. Department of Defense)
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