Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday due to “significant gaps in handling the battle” in Gaza. He appointed former Foreign Minister Israel Katz as his replacement.
In a video statement, Netanyahu said trust had been “damaged” between him and Gallant, both members of the far-right Likud party. The two have clashed for months over the direction of Israel’s 13-month war in Gaza against Hamas. Netanyahu stated that Gallant made statements that “contradict the decisions of the government and the cabinet.”
In response, Gallant reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security, calling it his “life’s mission.” His dismissal had been anticipated within Israel’s government, where tensions had brewed since late 2022 when Gallant opposed what he described as “undemocratic” judicial reforms proposed by Netanyahu’s coalition, The Guardian reported.
Gallant also disagreed with Netanyahu on Israel’s strategy in Gaza, advocating for a military approach that could lead to a “diplomatic resolution,” while Netanyahu demanded “total victory.”
Gideon Saar, leader of the center-right New Hope party, will now serve as foreign minister. Katz has assumed Gallant’s responsibilities, including hostage exchange operations. Following the leadership shift, families of the 101 Israeli hostages still in Gaza issued a statement urging Katz to prioritize negotiations for their release.
“We expect the incoming defense minister to prioritize a hostage deal and work closely with mediators and the international community to secure the immediate release of all hostages,” the statement read.