Netanyahu fires Defence Minister Gallant, sparking protests across Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, appointing Israel Katz as his successor.

The announcement, made on 5 November 2024, followed months of rising tensions and policy disagreements between Netanyahu and Gallant, primarily over the Israeli government’s approach to the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

According to Netanyahu’s office, the prime minister cited a “loss of trust” in Gallant over his management of the military efforts in Gaza and Lebanon.

“Over the past few months, that trust has eroded,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

He added that Gallant’s policy stances had created internal discord that had become public and, according to him, “known to our enemies, who took pleasure in them and derived substantial benefit.” Netanyahu further stated that the dismissal aimed to consolidate government unity during a pivotal time for national security.

Shortly after his removal, Gallant responded on X, stating, “Ensuring Israel’s security will always remain the mission of my life,” signalling his continued commitment despite his departure from office.

ביטחון מדינת ישראל היה ותמיד יישאר משימת חיי 🇮🇱🇮🇱

— יואב גלנט – Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) November 5, 2024

Israel Katz, who previously served as foreign minister, assumed the role of defence minister immediately, with Gideon Saar taking over as foreign minister.

Katz, on social media, promised to “achieve the goals of the war” and prioritise the return of captives held in Gaza, which he called “the most important value mission.”

His appointment has been met with mixed reactions, as Katz is expected to bring alignment with Netanyahu’s policies on Gaza, contrasting with Gallant’s more restrained approach.

Within hours of the announcement, thousands of Israeli citizens gathered in Tel Aviv, blocking main highways and setting bonfires in protest.

Hundreds of demonstrators also assembled near Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, condemning what some termed a disregard for effective leadership amid wartime. Protesters blocked key roads across other cities in Israel, showing broad dissent from multiple parts of society.

The protests that erupted in Israel following the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have now escalated, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. pic.twitter.com/RGXd9FBKVD

— The Unveiler 🇵🇸 (@the__unveiler) November 5, 2024

Gallant’s dismissal highlights longstanding fractures within the Israeli government, particularly between Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition and the military’s preferences.

Gallant has repeatedly advocated for a more clearly defined strategy in the Gaza conflict and favoured negotiating to release dozens of Israeli captives held by Hamas.

He openly criticised Netanyahu’s insistence on eradicating Hamas as a governing entity in Gaza, describing the campaign as “lacking clear direction.”

This position contrasted sharply with Netanyahu’s refusal to consider any ceasefire options until Hamas is fully dismantled as a military force.

The dismissal of Gallant has drawn responses from various figures within Israel and internationally.

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, an outspoken critic of Gallant, expressed approval of the decision, arguing that Gallant’s leadership hindered Israel’s ability to secure an “absolute victory.”

Ben-Gvir, alongside far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, had previously advocated for Gallant’s removal, signalling his preference for a more aggressive approach in Gaza.

In contrast, the United States expressed disappointment over Gallant’s removal. The Pentagon labelled him a “trusted partner” and reassured Israel of continued “ironclad” support. The U.S. pledged to work closely with Israel’s new Defence Minister Katz, underscoring the strategic relationship between the two nations despite the internal shift in Israel’s leadership.

Analysts view Gallant’s firing as an indicator of Netanyahu’s intent to consolidate power within his coalition.

A response from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents families of captives held in Gaza, described Gallant’s removal as an “effort to torpedo the hostage deal.”

The Forum criticised the move as an indication of the government’s “poor set of priorities,” advocating for a comprehensive deal to secure the release of the hostages following recent military operations that led to the deaths of Hamas leaders.

Gallant’s firing comes amid internal controversy over draft orders sent to ultra-Orthodox men, which he approved prior to his dismissal.

Additionally, Gallant had called for revisiting Israel’s war goals in light of recent escalations, including direct confrontations between Israel and Iran, a position seen as contentious within Netanyahu’s administration.

Previously, in March, Netanyahu dismissed Gallant over his vocal criticism of the proposed judicial reforms, only to reinstate him after facing extensive public backlash.

This latest termination underscores a year of high-stakes decisions, internal power struggles, and a government seeking alignment under Netanyahu’s leadership during the ongoing war.

As protests continue to flare across Israel, the public’s response reflects a critical juncture in Israel’s approach to both military engagement and internal governance amidst one of the region’s most volatile conflicts.