TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant late Tuesday, citing an “erosion of trust” between the two men in recent months.
Gallant, who had served in Netanyahu’s government, had become a vocal critic of the prime minister, publicly challenging his approach to the war in Gaza and the lack of progress in securing a hostage deal.
Gallant had also previously voiced strong opposition to Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plans, which had led to an attempt by the prime minister to dismiss him last year, though Netanyahu ultimately reversed his decision following public backlash.
In a statement following his dismissal, Gallant emphasized his ongoing commitment to Israel’s security, saying, The security of the State of Israel has always been and will always remain my life’s mission.
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Netanyahu, who has faced growing political and security challenges, confirmed that Gallant’s successor would be Israel Katz, the current Foreign Minister. Katz is expected to take over the defense portfolio in 48 hours, pending legislative approval.
Gallant’s firing came amid increasing protests in Israel, particularly in Tel Aviv, where demonstrators gathered in response to the decision.
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remained dire, with Israeli forces continuing their bombardment of northern Gaza and preventing most humanitarian aid from entering the region.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 17 people were killed and 86 injured in airstrikes on Monday and Tuesday, while the World Health Organization condemned continued attacks on medical facilities, including a bombing at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza that injured six children.
U.N. officials, including acting humanitarian chief Joyce Msuya, described northern Gaza as being under a near-total brutal siege for the past month, with civilians suffering severe food shortages as the international community watches the crisis unfold.
As Netanyahu dealt with political tensions at home, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continued to escalate, with the international community urging both sides to seek a resolution to the conflict and allow for aid access.
