In a significant political shift, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, attributing the decision to a “crisis of trust.” Netanyahu has appointed Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz as the new Defense Minister and Gideon Sa’ar to replace Katz as Foreign Minister.
In a televised address, Netanyahu stated, “As Prime Minister of Israel, my utmost commitment is to safeguard Israel’s security and lead us to complete victory. Amid ongoing conflict, absolute trust between the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister is essential. Unfortunately, although there was productive cooperation in the initial months of the campaign, that trust has eroded between myself and Minister Gallant.”
Major Disagreements
Netanyahu further explained, “Significant gaps emerged between me and Gallant regarding campaign management, along with statements and actions countering government and council decisions. Despite several attempts to close these gaps, they have only widened. Public knowledge of these differences, and worse, awareness by our adversaries, has posed a substantial risk. Open discussions have granted our enemies a strategic advantage.”
“This Situation Cannot Continue”
Netanyahu emphasized, “This growing crisis of trust between me and the Defense Minister has become public, preventing the campaign’s proper continuation. Most government and council members share this sentiment, making it clear that this situation cannot continue. Given this, I have decided today to terminate Gallant’s tenure as Defense Minister.”
In his place, Netanyahu has appointed Yisrael Katz, citing Katz’s extensive contributions to national security as Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, and Intelligence Minister for five years, and as a member of the defense council for many years.
