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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fired his popular Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in a surprise announcement that comes as the country is embroiled in multi-front wars across the region.
The move sparked protests across the country, including mass gatherings that paralyzed central Tel Aviv.
Netanyahu and Gallant have repeatedly clashed over the war in Gaza.
But Netanyahu avoided firing his rival before taking that step as the world’s attention focused on the US presidential election.
Netanyahu cited “significant gaps” and a “crisis of confidence” in his announcement when he replaced Gallant with a longtime loyalist.
“In the midst of war, more than ever, full trust is needed between the prime minister and the defense minister,” Netanyahu said.
“Unfortunately, although there was such trust in the first months of the campaign and it was very fruitful work, during the last months that trust broke down between me and the Minister of Defense.”
Pictures capture the exact moment an Israeli missile hits a building in Beirut
In the early days of the war, Israel’s leadership presented a united front as it responded to the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.
But as the war dragged on and spread into Lebanon, key political differences emerged.
While Netanyahu called for continued military pressure on Hamas, Gallant took a more pragmatic approach, saying military force created the necessary conditions for at least a temporary diplomatic deal that could return hostages held by the militant group.
In a nationally televised late-night news conference, Gallant said he disagreed with Netanyahu on three main issues: the need to end controversial exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men from military service, the urgent need for a hostage deal and the need to establish an official commission to investigate political and security failures since October 7, when Hamas militants invaded Israel and killed 1,200 people and captured 250 others as hostages.
Israel estimates that about 100 hostages remain in captivity, of which only about 65 are alive.
Since military service is mandatory for most Jews, Gallant said recruiting the ultra-Orthodox is both a matter of fairness and security at a time when Israel faces so many challenges.
He said a deal on the hostages was needed “as soon as possible, while they are still alive” and said there would be “no forgiveness” for neglecting them.
And he said a full investigation into the events of October 7 was the only way to ensure the government learned the right lessons.
Netanyahu rejected calls for an investigation, saying it should only be carried out once the war is over.
Gallant ended his statement by paying tribute to soldiers who served in the military and those who died in wars.
He raised his hand and saluted as he walked away from the podium.
Within hours, thousands of protesters gathered in central Tel Aviv, blocking the city’s main highway and snarling traffic.
The crowd, many holding blue and white Israeli flags and others blowing whistles and beating drums, gathered around multiple fires.
Several thousand people protested in front of Netanyahu’s house in Jerusalem and elsewhere in the city.
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