Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's abrupt dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has intensified political tensions in Israel, with the opposition denouncing the move as reckless and potentially dangerous during an ongoing war. The fallout from Netanyahu's decision, announced on Tuesday evening, has fueled protests, sharp rhetoric, and growing fears over national security at a precarious moment in the country's history.
Opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz, Avigdor Liberman, and Yair Golan, convened a joint press conference at the Knesset on Wednesday, branding Netanyahu's government as "illegitimate." Lapid, Israel's opposition leader, characterized Gallant's ousting as an "act of insanity by an incompetent prime minister" and argued that Netanyahu's actions have "weakened and damaged the IDF" in pursuit of political expediency. "Gallant was fired only for political reasons," Lapid asserted. "He was fired because Netanyahu chose draft dodgers instead of those serving."
The tensions between Netanyahu and Gallant had been escalating due to differences on military conscription and policies regarding ultra-Orthodox enlistment. Gallant publicly opposed a proposed draft exemption for Haredi men, labeling it a "discriminatory, corrupt law." His termination came shortly after the IDF announced plans to issue thousands of draft orders to members of the ultra-Orthodox community, sparking controversy within Netanyahu's coalition.
National Unity party leader Benny Gantz described Gallant's dismissal as a "serious blow to security and the spirit of the people." Gantz called on lawmakers from Netanyahu's Likud party and other coalition factions to reconsider their support for the prime minister, urging them to prioritize the security of the state over political maneuvering. "A large majority of the people are behind us," Gantz declared, stressing that national security should supersede coalition loyalty.
Avigdor Liberman, head of Yisrael Beytenu, warned that the decision to oust Gallant could have severe ramifications for Israel's stability and security. He alleged that celebrations had erupted in Iran following Gallant's firing, highlighting the potential geopolitical consequences of domestic political strife.
The controversy also exposes deeper divisions within Netanyahu's coalition. A contentious bill seeking to regulate ultra-Orthodox conscription is currently stalled in the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, chaired by Yuli Edelstein. Liberman called on Likud members to reject what he termed "political bribery" and urged them to adhere to the legacies of Israeli political icons Ze'ev Jabotinsky and Joseph Trumpeldor.
Amid the escalating rhetoric, thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to protest Gallant's removal, reflecting widespread public discontent. Netanyahu's Likud party fired back, accusing opposition leaders of hypocrisy and of collaborating with parties and figures perceived as security risks.
The political drama unfolds as Israel faces critical challenges following Hamas-led attacks that have claimed thousands of lives and left deep scars. Gallant's push for a comprehensive inquiry into the October 7 attacks, including potential lapses in government and military response, reportedly exacerbated tensions with Netanyahu. Gallant called for a state commission of inquiry to examine all levels of responsibility, from the government to the military and security agencies.
Netanyahu's decision to replace Gallant with Foreign Minister Israel Katz, a close ally with limited military experience, has raised further concerns about Israel's military strategy and preparedness. The move has also sparked debate over the fate of Israeli captives held by Hamas, with Gallant advocating for a ceasefire to secure their release-a stance that reportedly clashed with Netanyahu's broader wartime strategy.
