The dismissal of Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has ignited a firestorm of outrage, throwing the nation into political turmoil. The move, orchestrated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum, with even President Isaac Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, expressing his displeasure. The decision has also sparked massive protests across the country, with thousands of Israelis taking to the streets to voice their dissent.
The dismissal of Gallant, a popular figure within the Likud Party, came after a series of escalating tensions between the two. Netanyahu cited a “crisis of trust” as the reason for his decision, but critics accuse the Prime Minister of using the situation for his own political gain. Gallant has been replaced by Foreign Minister Israel Katz, a loyalist of Netanyahu, who lacks any significant military experience.
The protests, which have erupted across major cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, are fuelled by a mix of anger and anxiety. Demonstrators are demanding Netanyahu’s resignation, an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict, and the return of 101 hostages held captive by Hamas. Clashes have broken out between protestors and police, with authorities using “skunk” water to disperse crowds in Tel Aviv.
The timing of Gallant’s dismissal is particularly sensitive, coinciding with a period of heightened tensions and a renewed push to draft members of the ultra-Orthodox community into the army. This initiative, which has angered Netanyahu’s ultra-Orthodox coalition allies, has only further exacerbated the already volatile political climate.
The dismissal has also sparked fears of a wider purge within the government. Reports suggest that Israeli army chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, who has publicly disagreed with Netanyahu’s military strategy in Gaza, could be the next target. The jobs of Shin Bet director, Ronen Bar, and the attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miara, who have also clashed with the Prime Minister over key policy decisions, are also reportedly at risk.
The situation in Israel remains volatile, with the future of the government and the ongoing Gaza conflict hanging in the balance. The protests continue to escalate, highlighting the deep-seated divisions within Israeli society. The coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this crisis and the future of the Netanyahu government.
