Yoav Gallant Resigns from Knesset Over Opposition to Ultra-Orthodox Draft Exemption Bill

Jan 1, 2025, 07:00 PM

Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has resigned from the Knesset, Israel's parliament, nearly two months after being dismissed from his ministerial position by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gallant announced his resignation during a public statement on Wednesday evening, presenting his resignation letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. He cited his opposition to a forthcoming bill that would exempt ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) from mandatory military service, emphasizing that 'everyone must serve' in the Israeli army and that a 'discriminatory and selective recruitment law must not be passed.' Despite stepping down from the Knesset, Gallant will remain a member of the Likud party.