Israel in turmoil: Netanyahu axes defence chief Gallant over war strategy clash

In a dramatic shakeup, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, replacing him with Foreign Minister Israel Katz.

Netanyahu cited a breakdown in trust between himself and Galant, stressing that such trust is essential during wartime, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

“In the midst of war, full trust between the prime minister and the defence minister is required more than ever,” Netanyahu said. “Unfortunately, while there was such trust in the early months of the campaign and very fruitful work was done, in recent months that trust between me and the defence minister has frayed.”

Netanyahu further accused Galant of making decisions and statements that were inconsistent with government positions, giving Israel's enemies an opportunity to exploit these differences. This rift culminated in Gallant’s dismissal just as the country faces ongoing conflicts.

Tensions between the two had been simmering since October, when Gallant sent a letter to Netanyahu and the national security cabinet, demanding a review of Israel’s war objectives in light of "significant developments" on the battlefield, particularly during the country's response to Iranian aggression. Gallant's letter criticized the government’s lack of clear military guidance, which he argued was damaging Israel's strategic campaign.

Gallant, 65, who had served as defence minister since late 2022, had previously been fired by Netanyahu in March 2023 for criticizing the prime minister’s controversial judicial reforms. However, Netanyahu reversed that decision amid public protests, allowing Gallant to retain his position.

Gallant’s removal comes as Israel continues to grapple with security threats, most notably the ongoing conflict with Hamas, which Galant had described as a "serious blow" to the nation.

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised Netanyahu's decision, saying: “With Gallant, who is still deeply stuck in his own concept, it is impossible to achieve total victory.”

Yair Golan, leader of the centre-left Democrats party, condemned the move, calling on Israelis to protest in the streets, similar to the widespread demonstrations that forced Netanyahu to reconsider firing Gallant earlier this year.

By Tamilla Hasanova