Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this Tuesday fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, with whom he had relations during the war in Gaza, and appointed the current head of diplomacy, Israel Katz, in his place.
“In the midst of war, trust is needed more than ever between the Prime Minister and his Minister of Defence”, but “in recent months, this trust is eroded“, Netanyahu said in a letter sent to Gallant, adding that he had decided to “appoint Minister Israel Katz in his place”.
Afterwards, the dismissed minister responded, on social network X (previously Twitter), ensuring that “The security of Israel is and will continue to be a mission” of your life.
The security of the State of Israel has been my life’s mission and will always remain ????????????
— Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) November 5, 2024
During the night, in statements to the press, Gallant specified that he was fired because of a “disagreement” with Netanyahu. “I was fired due to disagreements on three issues: my strong position on universal conscription, the commitment to rescue the hostages, and the need for a state commission of inquiry into what happened on October 7.”quoted the newspaper Haaretz.
“The hostages can be rescued, it involves promises. The State of Israel must make these promises”, he said.
Israel Katz, who Netanyahu appointed to the Defense portfolio, thanked the prime minister and indicated that he accepts the “responsibility with a sense of mission and holy fear for the security of the State of Israel and its citizens”.
“We will work together to bring the security system to victory against our enemies and to achieve the objectives of the war: the return of all the kidnapped people as the most important value mission, the destruction of Hamas in Gaza, the defeat of Hezbollah i. Lebanon , the Iranian attack was contained and residents of the north and south returned safely to their homes.”
Gallant’s resignation, amid ongoing conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah, is drawing criticism from several political parties in Israel. Yair Lapid, the leader of the Israeli opposition, considered the dismissal of the Minister of Defense to be an “act of madness” at this time.
“Netanyahu is selling the security of Israel and the security of the members of the IDF in exchange for shameful political survival,” he said on the X social network.
“The distant government prefers civil servants between crooks. I call on the people of Yesh Atid and all Zionist patriots to take to the streets tonight in protest.”
Conservative party leader Yisrael Beiteinu and a former defense minister also criticized the dismissal, saying Netanyahu is leading a country that is “a banana republic.”
“Instead of taking care of the security of the country first and putting the welfare of the citizens and soldiers first, the Prime Minister decided to sack the Minister of Defense and start a new round of political appointments in a time of war, all to meet the shameful political needs. ”, mentioned the Times of Israel.
Protests in Tel Aviv
The politician asked Netanyahu to resign. “If a defense minister can be replaced in the middle of a war, a prime minister can also be replaced.”
Even before the dismissal was published, there were protests on the streets of Tel Aviv demanding the return of the hostages. After the announcement of the uprising, the protests spread to different parts of the country and reached Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, where the police had to install water cannons to try to keep the protesters under control.
Protests at Netanyahu’s residence
In Tel Aviv, protesters blocked the city’s main thoroughfare, preventing traffic in both directions. At certain points bonfires were lit and the crowd hung Israeli flags.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Security Expert Dr. Miriam Cohen
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Cohen. Thank you for joining us today. As we know, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during a time of war has sparked significant controversy. How do you see this decision impacting Israel’s security strategy in the ongoing conflict with Hamas?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: Good afternoon. Thank you for having me. Netanyahu’s decision comes at a critical moment; trust between the Prime Minister and Defense Minister is paramount during wartime. Gallant expressed concerns about key issues such as universal conscription and the need for a commission to investigate the events of October 7. The breakdown of trust could certainly impact decision-making and military effectiveness at a strategic level.
Time.news Editor: Gallant mentioned disagreements over several critical issues that he felt needed urgent attention. How do you interpret these disagreements?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: The disagreements highlight significant ideological rifts. For instance, Gallant’s push for universal conscription suggests he saw a need for a broader national sacrifice, whereas Netanyahu may prioritize political maneuvering. Additionally, Gallant’s emphasis on rescuing hostages indicates a moral obligation that he prioritized in his defense strategies. The dismissal could be seen as Netanyahu prioritizing his political survival over a united front during the conflict.
Time.news Editor: In his statement following the dismissal, Gallant reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security. What do you think this indicates about the opposition’s stance and the larger political climate in Israel at this time?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: Gallant’s statement could resonate with many Israelis who share his concerns. The political opposition, represented by figures like Yair Lapid, is leveraging this incident to rally public sentiment against Netanyahu. The perception that Netanyahu is compromising national security for political gain is potent. With ongoing military operations, this could ignite public protests and deepen divisions within the political landscape.
Time.news Editor: Israel Katz, who has been appointed as the new Defense Minister, expressed a sense of ‘holy fear’ about his new responsibility. How do you assess his capability to lead during such a challenging period?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: Katz has experience in Israeli politics and has held significant roles, but leading the military during wartime brings unprecedented challenges. His statements suggest he understands the gravity of the situation, but the real test will be his ability to foster trust with military leaders and execute a coherent strategy to address the complex security threats posed by Hamas and Hezbollah. His relationship with Netanyahu will also be critical—he needs to balance political directives with military needs effectively.
Time.news Editor: Criticism from political figures like Yisrael Beiteinu’s leader paints Netanyahu’s administration as dysfunctional during wartime. How might this perception influence the government’s operations moving forward?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: If dissent continues to grow, it could result in significant pressure on the government, potentially affecting operational decisions. In a democracy, public perception is incredibly powerful. If citizens feel that the government is prioritizing political agendas over national security, it might lead to protests and calls for accountability. Netanyahu’s administration already faces scrutiny, and if the war does not progress positively, this perception could escalate into a legitimacy crisis.
Time.news Editor: what do you believe is the most critical challenge facing Israel as it navigates this leadership transition during a conflict?
Dr. Miriam Cohen: The most critical challenge is maintaining a cohesive and effective military strategy while managing political instability. Trust and unity among leaders will be vital for operational success. Additionally, balancing public expectations and the dire realities of war will be a significant test for Netanyahu and his newly appointed Defense Minister. Ultimately, the interplay between military needs and political ramifications will shape Israel’s response in the coming weeks.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for your insights into this complex situation. It will be fascinating to observe how these dynamics evolve in the political and military landscapes of Israel.
Dr. Miriam Cohen: Thank you for having me. It’s a pivotal time for Israel, and I hope for the best outcomes for security and peace in the region.
