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Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a decision that sheds light on the deep divisions within Israel’s leadership, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over a disagreement regarding the ongoing war in Gaza and critical domestic issues, as reported by The New York Times. Gallant, who was the principal advocate in the government for a potential cease-fire deal to secure the release of hostages, represented a more moderate voice on security matters within the Israeli administration. His removal introduces new uncertainties into Israel’s wartime strategy as the country navigates an extraordinary moment of conflict and geopolitical tension.
Gallant’s advocacy for a temporary halt in hostilities in Gaza was a significant point of contention, especially in a government where calls for a more aggressive stance dominate. According to the report on Tuesday in The New York Times, Gallant’s approach was increasingly viewed as dissent within Netanyahu’s inner circle. His perspective was that of a defense minister who recognized the value of engaging in negotiations to save lives, a stance that contrasted with the more hard-line positions espoused by others in the cabinet.
The decision to remove Gallant has raised eyebrows internationally as well, particularly given the former defense minister’s close ties with U.S. officials. The New York Times reported that Gallant had become a preferred point of contact for Washington, often serving as an intermediary through which senior U.S. figures, such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken, communicated. Blinken’s recent call with Gallant to discuss developments in Gaza and Lebanon highlights the significant role Gallant played in maintaining the diplomatic bridge between Israel and its most crucial ally. This dynamic reportedly frustrated Netanyahu, who has often found himself at odds with the more cautious, diplomatic stances favored by Gallant and others in Washington.
To fill Gallant’s vacated position, Netanyahu appointed Foreign Minister Israel Katz, a staunch ally. As The New York Times noted, Katz’s alignment with Netanyahu’s strategic direction means he is unlikely to challenge the prime minister’s approach to the war or any ongoing cease-fire discussions. Katz’s appointment sends a clear message: Netanyahu intends to consolidate power within his coalition, seeking a unified, unwavering stance on both foreign and domestic policies. Katz’s presence is expected to reinforce Netanyahu’s more aggressive posture, both in Gaza and in handling relations with the United States.
In addition to naming Katz as defense minister, Netanyahu extended an offer to Gideon Saar to join the coalition as the new foreign minister. Saar, known for his hard-line views, would likely strengthen the government’s rightward shift on both security and foreign policy matters. Bringing Saar into the fold would serve to further consolidate Netanyahu’s base, adding another voice supportive of his approach toward the Gaza conflict and diminishing the prospects for any future cease-fire negotiations.
In addition to naming Katz as defense minister, Netanyahu extended an offer to Gideon Saar to join the coalition as the new foreign minister. Saar, known for his hard-line views, would likely strengthen the government’s rightward shift on both security and foreign policy matters, as per The New York Times report, bringing Saar into the fold would serve to further consolidate Netanyahu’s base, adding another voice supportive of his approach toward the Gaza conflict and diminishing the prospects for any future cease-fire negotiations.
Netanyahu explained that the termination of Gallant is the result of a crisis of trust and significant differences between the two in the management of the war.
“As the Prime Minister of Israel, my chief obligation is to preserve the security of Israel and to achieve our total victory. In the midst of war, more than ever, complete trust is required between the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister,” Netanyahu began, according to a report on Tuesday on the Israel National News web site.
“Unfortunately, even though such trust was present during the first months of the military campaign, and we had a very productive cooperation, during the past several months this trust between myself and the Defense Minister has begun to crack,” he stated.
Netanyahu continued, “Defense Minister Gallant and I had substantial disagreements on the management of the military campaign, disagreements which were accompanied by public statements and actions that contravened the decisions of the Government and the Security Cabinet.”
“I have made multiple attempts to resolve these disagreements, but they became increasingly wider. They were also brought to the knowledge of the public in an inappropriate manner, and what is even worse, they have reached the knowledge of the enemy; our enemies have taken great delight in these disagreements and have derived much benefit from them,” he added, as was indicated in the INN report.
He explained that “different opinions in open debates, as anyone who knows me can attest to, are my way of holding discussions and consultations, and making decisions. Everyone knows that. However, the increasingly wide crisis of confidence between myself and the Defense Minister had become public knowledge, and that crisis is hindering the continued proper administration of the military campaign.”
“I am not the only one with this opinion; in both the Government and the Security Cabinet, the majority of the members of which, virtually all members, share the feeling that this state of affairs cannot continue,” he noted.
“In view of the above, I have decided today to remove the Defense Minister from his post. In his stead, I have decided to appoint Minister Israel Katz to this position. Israel Katz has proven his abilities and has made a contribution to national security as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance, Minister of Intelligence for five years, and equally important, as a long-standing member of the State Security Cabinet,” Netanyahu declared.
“Israel Katz brings to the table an impressive combination of rich experience and executive capabilities. He is known as a man of action who combines responsibility with reserved decisiveness, all important qualities for driving a military campaign,” he said.
INN reported that he further stated that former Minister Gideon Sa’ar would take Minister Katz’s place as Foreign Minister. “Also, I have spoken today with Minister Gideon Sa’ar and proposed that he join the coalition along with his faction and serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs. As a member of the Government and Security Cabinet for many years, Gideon Sa’ar will bring to the table much experience and consideration in the areas of policy and security, and will be a significant addition to our leadership team.”
“Gideon Saar’s addition and the addition of his faction will increase the stability of the coalition and the government, important factors at any time, and especially important in time of war. I am convinced that these steps will reinforce the Government and the Security Cabinet, transforming them into bodies that work cooperatively and harmoniously for the security of the State of Israel, for the citizens of Israel, and for our victory,” he said.
The INN report said that Gallant stated in response, “The security of the State of Israel always was, and will always remain my life’s mission.”
