Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday the removal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a “crisis of trust” within Israel’s leadership. Replacing Gallant, Netanyahu appointed close ally Israel Katz to guide Israel’s military strategies in both Gaza and Lebanon. This leadership shift comes at a critical time, as Israel prepares for potential Iranian retaliation following recent airstrikes on the region.
Controversy Over Dismissal
Netanyahu’s critics argued that the decision prioritizes political motives over national security, especially amid ongoing tensions with Gaza and Lebanon. Following Gallant’s dismissal, protests erupted across Israel, with demonstrators blocking highways and lighting fires in opposition to the move.
In addition to his new defense minister, Netanyahu appointed Gideon Saar as foreign minister, replacing Katz in that role. Gallant and Netanyahu, both members of the Likud party, had been at odds over Israel’s 13-month military campaign in Gaza against Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. Gallant’s firing surprised many, especially as it coincided with the U.S. presidential election.
Military Strategy and New Leadership
Israel’s campaign in Gaza and its actions in Lebanon have escalated following the targeted killings of top commanders from both Hamas and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group. Netanyahu cited Gallant’s statements, which he claimed contradicted the Israeli government’s official stance, as grounds for the dismissal. Gallant responded, asserting, “The security of the state of Israel has always been my primary commitment.”
Taking on the defense minister role, Katz promised to focus on securing the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza and to work towards dismantling Hamas and Hezbollah. “I accept this responsibility with a sense of mission and reverence for Israel’s security and its citizens,” Katz shared on social media platform X.
Recent Tensions with the United Nations and France
As foreign minister, Katz had recently barred U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering Israel, criticizing his lack of condemnation for an Iranian missile strike. Katz had also rejected calls from the U.S. and France for a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon earlier this year, emphasizing Israel’s strict stance on national defense.
Political analyst Gayil Talshir from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem speculated that Gallant’s recent draft of 7,000 ultra-Orthodox Haredi men may have been the last straw, as the move sparked backlash from government factions opposed to conscription.
Growing Criticism and International Reactions
While Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the decision, asserting that Gallant was reluctant to pursue an “absolute victory,” opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the timing of the firing. “Dismissing Gallant amid a conflict is madness,” Lapid stated on X.
In Washington, the White House National Security Council expressed gratitude for Gallant’s partnership, affirming continued collaboration with Katz.
Intensified Military Action in Northern Gaza
On Tuesday, Israel issued evacuation orders in northern Gaza and conducted airstrikes reportedly killing over 35 people since Monday night, according to Palestinian medical sources. The U.N.’s acting aid chief, Joyce Msuya, condemned the severe impact of Israeli ground operations in Gaza, which have forced repeated evacuations and restricted access to essential resources.
Late Monday, an airstrike in Beit Lahiya led to the deaths of at least 20 people, reported Palestinian media. Strikes in Gaza City, Deir Al-Balah, and Al-Zawayda resulted in further fatalities. The Israeli military confirmed targeting “terrorist” locations in central Gaza and Jabalia, discovering weapons caches and infrastructure linked to militant groups in Rafah.
On Tuesday afternoon, Israel dropped leaflets in Beit Lahiya, urging civilians to move south for safety. Israel maintains that these evacuations are essential to keeping civilians out of conflict zones, though Palestinians claim the intent is to clear space for military operations.
Growing Casualties Amid Prolonged Conflict
According to Gaza health authorities, over 43,300 Palestinians have died in the year-long conflict with Israel, which intensified after Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. These attacks reportedly killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages being taken to Gaza, further fueling the ongoing hostilities.
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