Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu sensationally sacked Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday night.
Netanyahu cited the need for “full trust” and “significant differences” in the management of the ongoing war in Gaza and Lebanon among reasons for the dismissal.
For a number of months there has been reports of disagreements. Netanyahu acted decisively to ensure Israel’s security.
Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz will serve as Defense Minister. Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar has been invited to join the coalition and replace Katz.
Netanyahu released a video explaining his decision about Gallant to ensure Israel’s security and lead the IDF to victory.
“In the midst of a war, now more than ever, full trust between the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister is essential,” he said. “Unfortunately, although there was such trust in the first months of the war and we accomplished many things, over the past months this trust has eroded between me and the Defense Minister.
“Significant differences arose in the management of the war between me and Gallant, and these differences have been accompanied by statements and actions that contradicted government decisions and cabinet resolutions. I made many attempts to bridge these gaps, but they continued to widen. These differences even became known to the public in an unacceptable way, and worse, they reached the enemy’s awareness, our enemies revelled in this and benefited greatly from it.”
He added: “The trust crisis that developed between me and the Defense Minister has become public knowledge, and this crisis does not allow for the proper continuation of the war management. It’s not only me who is saying this, most members of the government and most cabinet members, almost all share this feeling that this cannot continue. In light of this, I decided today on the termination of the Defense Minister’s term.”
Netanyahu said that Katz has proven his capabilities to national security as Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, Intelligence Minister, and significantly, as a member of the Security Cabinet for many years. “He brings with him an impressive combination of rich experience and practical skills,” noted Netanyahu. “He is known as a bulldozer combined with responsibility and quiet determination, all essential skills for managing the war.”
“I am convinced these steps will reinforce the government and the Cabinet, ensuring they work together in harmony for the security of Israel and the victory of the nation,” He added.
Gallant released a statement on X, stating: “The security of the state of Israel was and will always remain my life’s mission.”