ALBAWABA- In a bold cabinet shake-up, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a need for complete trust and harmony in his administration.
"Today, I decided to terminate the service of Defense Minister Gallant and appoint Yisrael Katz in his place," Netanyahu announced, adding that this move aims to strengthen cabinet unity.
Yisrael Katz will assume the role of Defense Minister, while Gideon Sa'ar has been appointed as Foreign Minister.
The dismissal follows a significant rift between Netanyahu and Gallant, deepened by a recent scandal involving leaked information.
A secretary working closely with Netanyahu was reportedly arrested in connection with the leak. Reflecting on his removal, Gallant stated, “The security of the State of Israel was and will remain my mission in life.”
Opposition leader Benny Gantz criticized the decision, calling it “a policy at the expense of state security.”
In response to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s dismissal, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir expressed support for Netanyahu’s decision, claiming Gallant’s presence hindered progress toward achieving the war’s objectives.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Chief of Staff and Democratic Party Chairman Yair Golan has called for public demonstrations, urging citizens to take to the streets in opposition to Netanyahu’s move.
