Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, on Tuesday over differences on the prosecution of the war in Gaza — a risky step at a moment when Israel is fighting on two fronts. The move sparked protests across the country, including a large gathering near the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem.
Mr. Gallant was pushing for a cease-fire deal in Gaza that would secure the release of hostages held there, and his dismissal removes the main proponent in the Israeli government for such an agreement. Mr. Gallant and Mr. Netanyahu also clashed over domestic political issues, particularly the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Israelis.
Large crowds opposed to Mr. Gallant’s dismissal blocked traffic and lit bonfires on a major highway in Tel Aviv.
Mr. Gallant, 65, had increasingly been viewed as an internal opponent to the prime minister, and he has been a more moderate voice within the government on security issues. Mr. Netanyahu, who announced the decision in a video statement, said “significant gaps on handling the war” emerged between him and Mr. Gallant.
Mr. Gallant said Mr. Netanyahu fired him over three main disagreements: the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews, a deal to release hostages and his call for a state commission of inquiry into the security failures surrounding the attack Hamas led on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
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