Israel’s Netanyahu fires his defense minister as wars rage. Protests break out across the country

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday fired his popular Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, in a surprise announcement that came as the country is embroiled in wars on multiple fronts in the region. The action sparked protests across the country, including a mass rally that paralyzed central Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu and Gallant have repeatedly disagreed over the war in Gaza. But Netanyahu had avoided firing his rival before making the move as the world’s attention was focused on the US presidential election. Netanyahu cited “significant gaps” and a “crisis of confidence” in his Tuesday evening announcement as he replaced Gallant with a staunch loyalist.

“In the middle of a war, full trust is needed more than ever between the prime minister and the defense minister,” Netanyahu said. “Unfortunately, although there was so much trust in the first months of the campaign and very fruitful work was done, in recent months this trust has broken between me and the Minister of Defense.”

In the early days of the war, Israel’s leadership presented a united front as it responded to Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023. But as the war has dragged on and spread into Lebanon, key policy differences have emerged.

While Netanyahu has called for continued military pressure on Hamas, Gallant had taken a more pragmatic approach, saying military force has created the necessary conditions for at least a temporary diplomatic deal that could bring home hostages held by the militant group held.

During a late-night press conference broadcast on national television, Gallant said he disagreed with Netanyahu on three key issues: the need to end controversial exceptions to military conscription for ultra-Orthodox men, the urgent need for a hostage agreement and the establishment of an official commission of inquiry into the political and security failures of October 7, when Hamas militants stormed into Israel and killed 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage. Israel estimates that there are about 100 hostages still in captivity, of which only 65 are still alive.

Because military service is mandatory for most Jews, Gallant said fielding the ultra-Orthodox party was both a matter of fairness and security at a time when Israel faces so many challenges.

He said a hostage rescue was needed “as soon as possible, if they are still alive” and that there will be “no forgiveness” for neglecting them. And he said a full investigation into the events of October 7 was the only way to ensure the government learned the right lessons. Netanyahu has rejected calls for an investigation, saying it should only take place once the war is over.