Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering the dismissal of his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, a move that could remove one of the few remaining key figures in his government who maintains communication with the Biden administration. Gallant, a former general and member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, has frequently clashed with the prime minister over Israel’s handling of the war with Hamas, and his potential ousting highlights deep divisions within the Israeli government.
Gallant, 65, has been at odds with Netanyahu on several critical issues, particularly regarding the war in Gaza and the broader conflict with Hamas and its allies. The disagreements have led to increased tensions between the two men, with Gallant’s calls for a cease-fire deal and his concerns about Israel’s military operations in Gaza diverging from Netanyahu’s hard-line stance. The defense minister has been a key advocate for a deal with Hamas that would facilitate the release of hostages held in Gaza, further straining his relationship with Netanyahu.
Recent Israeli media reports suggest that Netanyahu plans to replace Gallant with Gideon Saar, a member of the New Hope faction, which holds four seats in Israel’s Parliament. This move could realign political power within Netanyahu’s government, as Saar’s entry could reduce the influence of far-right politicians like Itamar Ben-Gvir, the national security minister. Ben-Gvir’s presence in the governing coalition, which holds a slim majority in Parliament, has allowed him to exert considerable pressure on Netanyahu’s government.
Though neither Netanyahu nor Saar has publicly confirmed negotiations regarding this potential cabinet reshuffle, speculation continues to mount. Saar’s party has downplayed the reports, saying there is “nothing new” to announce, while Netanyahu’s office has outright denied the claims.
Despite these denials, calls from within the Likud party for Gallant’s dismissal have grown louder. Likud lawmakers accuse Gallant of disloyalty to Netanyahu, claiming that his actions and statements have undermined the government’s unity during a time of crisis. Likud minister Shlomo Karhi, in a televised interview, stated that the need for a new defense minister is pressing, and that Netanyahu needs someone in the role whom he can fully trust.
Gallant’s removal could be a significant blow to those advocating for a cease-fire with Hamas. He has been a vocal supporter of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and has played a crucial role in engaging with international partners, including the United States. His dismissal could complicate Israel’s relationship with the Biden administration, which has been keen to maintain open communication channels amid the ongoing conflict.
However, some political analysts believe that bringing Saar into the defense minister role could curb the influence of more extreme elements within Netanyahu’s coalition, such as Ben-Gvir. By replacing Gallant with Saar, Netanyahu may be aiming to stabilize his government while still retaining his hard-line policies toward Gaza and Hamas. Political consultant Nadav Shtrauchler, who has worked with Netanyahu, noted that Gallant and Netanyahu have clashed on many aspects of the war, and their differences have only deepened over time.
This is not the first time Netanyahu has sought to remove Gallant from his cabinet. In March, Gallant voiced opposition to a controversial plan by Netanyahu to weaken Israel’s judiciary, sparking mass protests across the country. These demonstrations ultimately forced Netanyahu to back down from his plan, but the tension between the two men persisted.
In May, Gallant issued a stark warning about the consequences of a prolonged military engagement in Gaza. He cautioned that Israel’s lack of a clear postwar strategy could lead to a costly military occupation of the territory. This statement was widely interpreted as a critique of Netanyahu’s leadership.
In a more recent clash, Gallant was the only Israeli minister to vote against a cabinet decision to prevent Israel from withdrawing from Gaza’s border with Egypt as part of a potential cease-fire agreement. Netanyahu has been insistent on maintaining a military presence along the border, complicating efforts to broker a truce with Hamas.
If Netanyahu moves forward with Gallant’s dismissal, it could reshape the Israeli government and its approach to the conflict in Gaza. Whether this decision will strengthen or weaken Netanyahu’s hold on power remains to be seen, but it is clear that the prime minister’s government is grappling with significant internal discord during a time of unprecedented challenge.
