Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday in a surprising move amid ongoing conflicts across the region.
Netanyahu and Gallant had clashed over the handling of the war in Gaza, leading to a breakdown in trust between them, according the Associated Press (AP).
Netanyahu emphasized the importance of trust during times of war and cited significant gaps and a crisis of trust in his decision to remove Gallant.
The differences in policy between Netanyahu and Gallant became more pronounced as the conflict extended to Lebanon.
While Netanyahu advocated for continued military pressure on Hamas, Gallant took a more diplomatic approach to resolve the situation.
Gallant, known for his strong leadership and dedication to Israel’s security, expressed his commitment to the country’s well-being in a statement following his dismissal.
Israel Katz, a close ally of Netanyahu, will replace Gallant as Defense Minister, while Gideon Saar will assume the role of Foreign Minister.
Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Gallant follows previous attempts to remove him, highlighting the prime minister’s efforts to consolidate power and address internal conflicts within the government.
Netanyahu acknowledged the widening gap between him and Gallant and the negative impact it had on both domestic and international perceptions.
