11/06/2024

Netanyahu Fires Gallant as Israel's Defense Minister

Gallant will be replaced by Foreign Minister Israel Katz, a Netanyahu loyalist

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, a long-rumored move that was announced on Election Day in the U.S. Netanyahu and Gallant had repeatedly clashed over the conduct of the war in Gaza and Lebanon.

Protests erupted in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in response to the decision, with critics accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing his own political survival over Israel's best interests, while families of those held hostage in Gaza expressed deep concern over the impact Gallant's firing could have on efforts to secure the release of their loved ones.

Gallant will be replaced by Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who thanked Netanyahu in a social media post for trusting him with the role. Gideon Saar, a former Netanyahu opponent, will become foreign minister and cement support for the fragile ruling coalition keeping the embattled Israeli leader in power. 

Please select this link to read the complete article from NBC News.