‘Crisis of Trust’

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Thousands of people took to the streets across Israel this week to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a move that sparked public outrage and accusations that the decision was politically motivated and could endanger national security, the BBC reported.

On Tuesday night, demonstrators in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem blocked roads, set fires and called for Netanyahu to step down.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing families of captives held by Hamas, also condemned Gallant’s firing, demanding that his replacement prioritizes a deal to bring home the hostages.

In his announcement, Netanyahu said the decision was based on a “crisis of trust,” adding that “full trust is required between the prime minister and defense minister” in the midst of war.

He cited “significant gaps” and recent statements by Gallant that allegedly contradicted government decisions.

Gallant responded by affirming his commitment to Israel’s security, saying it “will always remain the mission of my life.”

He attributed his removal to disagreements on three main issues: The need for an official inquiry into Israel’s response to Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 attack, the military exemption for ultra-Orthodox citizens, and his stance on a potential hostage deal with Hamas, which he argued could be achieved through “painful concessions” that Israel could bear.

Gallant, a former general, had publicly clashed with Netanyahu over military and political strategies in recent months, leading to a rift between the two leaders. Gallant advocated for a pragmatic approach to Israel’s war in Gaza, noting that military force had created the necessary conditions for a temporary cease-fire that could secure the hostages’ release.

His calls for an official investigation into the Oct. 7 attack added to tensions, with Netanyahu insisting such an inquiry should only occur after the war ends, the Associated Press noted.

Last year’s surprise attack saw Hamas and its allies launch a brutal assault in southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw more than 250 others taken hostage.

Netanyahu has appointed Foreign Minister Israel Katz to take over as defense minister, with Gideon Sa’ar assuming Katz’s foreign affairs role. Katz, a Netanyahu loyalist and known for his hawkish stance, pledged to lead Israel’s military campaign against its adversaries.

Observers suggested that Katz’s appointment signals Netanyahu’s preference for hardline policies over Gallant’s more pragmatic approach.

Still, analysts warned that the dismissal of Gallant could deepen Israel’s internal divisions and complicate its already fraught relationship with the United States, where the former minister was seen as a trusted partner.

Political analysts added that Netanyahu’s decision could also reflect his reliance on far-right allies and ultra-Orthodox factions. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the move “an act of madness” and accused Netanyahu of “selling Israel’s security … for a disgraceful political survival.”

Meanwhile, the timing of the dismissal – on the day of the US presidential election – drew additional criticism, with local media suggesting Netanyahu sought to avoid international scrutiny, according to the Associated Press.