Netanyahu fires Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a “crisis of trust” between them. Netanyahu stated that his trust in Gallant had eroded over recent months, particularly in the management of the ongoing military campaign.

The decision to fire Gallant came amid disagreements and actions that Netanyahu said contradicted government and cabinet decisions. Despite initial cooperation, Netanyahu expressed that trust between the two had fractured during the war, which he believes benefitted Israel’s enemies.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz will replace Gallant as defense minister, while Gideon Sa’ar will assume the role of foreign minister. This marks a continuation of the strained relationship between Netanyahu and Gallant, which has seen previous tensions, such as Gallant’s open frustrations earlier this year regarding the government’s stance on Gaza.

Gallant, who had been fired once before in 2023 over disagreements about a judicial overhaul, has emphasized in his response that the security of Israel will remain his lifelong mission.