Netanyahu Fires Defense Minister Gallant Amid War, Appoints Israel Katz as Successor

Nov 5, 2024, 06:27 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a breakdown in trust and 'significant gaps' over the management of the ongoing war. Netanyahu announced that Israel Katz will replace Gallant as Defense Minister, and Gideon Sa'ar will become the new Foreign Minister. Gallant responded to his dismissal by stating, 'The security of the State of Israel has been and will always remain the mission of my life.' The decision has sparked widespread criticism and concern among political figures and the public. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the move an 'act of madness,' and Benny Gantz accused Netanyahu of putting 'politics at the expense of national security.' Protests are being organized in response to Gallant's dismissal, with demonstrators gathering on the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv.