Netanyahu fires Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in surprise announcement

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) speaks to Defence Minister Yoav Gallant (L) at the opening of the 25th Parliament session in Jerusalem on October 28, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in a surprise announcement in which he cited a “crisis of trust”, appointing Foreign Minister Israel Katz to succeed him. The move sparked mass protests in Tel Aviv and other cities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday dismissed his popular defense minister, Yoav Gallant, in a surprise announcement that came as the country is embroiled in wars on multiple fronts across the region. The move sparked protests across the country, including a mass gathering that paralyzed central Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu and Gallant have repeatedly been at odds over the war in Gaza. But Netanyahu had avoided firing his rival before taking the step as the world's attention was focused on the U.S. presidential election. Netanyahu cited “significant gaps” and a “crisis of trust" in his Tuesday evening announcement as he replaced Gallant with a longtime loyalist.

“In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust is required between the prime minister and defense minister,” Netanyahu said. “Unfortunately, although in the first months of the campaign there was such trust and there was very fruitful work, during the last months this trust cracked between me and the defense minister.”

Gallant ended his statement by honoring the soldiers serving in the army and those who have died in the wars. He held up his hand and saluted as he walked away from the podium.

(AP)


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Read also:
Israeli ex-PM Olmert says Netanyahu ultimately to blame for death of hostages
Israel's largest union calls for general strike on Monday in support of Gaza hostages
Gaza hospital comes under attack again as Israel pummels enclave's north

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